Play It Again, SAHM
Page 25
Wish you were here. It’s supposed to maybe snow a little bit tonight, and we’re going to have a campfire and s’mores. I love camping! I’m actually sort of glad the hotel caught fire because I think everyone is a lot happier with this arrangement.
Miss you,
Brenna
—This message has been sent using my cell phone.—
From: Zelia Muzuwa
To: Dulcie Huckleberry
Subject: Hey girl!
I saw Brenna e-mailing you—don’t believe a thing she says about the horse incident! That beast was a monster! I don’t know what they were thinking letting such a horrible animal anywhere near retreat guests! I was nearly killed. Really!
Other than that, we’re having a terrific time. Jocelyn is starting to be convinced that she can maybe hold off on that will for a while longer. And I am just adoring meeting all these gals that have been my friends for so long. I just wish you were here, girl. But we’re all determined to e-mail you a TON so you won’t miss out on a thing.
Love you!
Z
***This message was sent with BlackBerry.***
From: P. Lorimer
To: Dulcie Huckleberry
Subject: How are you?
Dear Dulcie,
We’re all here. I am having a very nice time, but so many people—it wears me out! I am writing this from my laptop in my room, and I’ll send it when I go to lunch. I know the other girls have already e-mailed you, so I’ll try not to repeat any of their news.
I know things now that I didn’t know before. The way Z’s eyes twinkle when she smiles. The warmth in Jocelyn’s voice, even as she’s herding us around from one activity to another. Then there’s Connie—who is every bit as motherhennish as she is on the loop, but whose hugs leave you feeling warm the rest of the day. I’m glad her mother is better and that Connie was able to come.
Even Rosalyn—she’s every bit as polished as she’d like us all to believe, but there’s an earnestness in her eyes, as if she’s always watching for an opportunity to please us. I didn’t realize that would be there.
And there’s Marianne, of course. But you know her secrets already. And Iona—everyone is completely in love with her dreadlocks. She might have started a new SAHM I Am trend! She brought her guitar and read us her poems and sang us songs she wrote for her husband’s band last night. We were all teary-eyed by the end because they were so beautiful.
How are YOU doing, though? Are we making things better or worse for you? I keep looking around and it feels like something important is missing, and then I realize—it’s you.
Do you want me to call later this evening and we’ll chat—-just you and me?
Love you,
Phyllis
From: Dulcie Huckleberry
To: P. Lorimer
Subject: Re: How are you?
Honestly, I’m miserable. Tom left last night for his convention, so he’s in KC now. And it’s just me and the girls and all your wonderful, tantalizing e-mails. And I’ve spent the entire morning trying not to bawl.
But it’s so sweet of you all to remember me and try to keep me up-to-date. I hope your talk goes well on Sunday. I think it’s good that they canceled all the workshops. Who wants workshops when you can sit around and gab or go ride horses?
On the bright side, my Elvis-themed living room was a raving success! I decided to just go for it and make the room kitschy and retro, in blacks, hot pinks, and splashes of yellow and blue—to give it a Hawaiian flair. I got mod, retro furniture, and a couple of velvet throw blankets and pillows—to echo the velvet in the painting. I even mounted vinyl records on the wall opposite The Painting. It turned out fun and surprisingly cozy. My client was so happy she was in tears. That felt REALLY good.
In fact, the room turned out so well, I’m thinking of entering it in a design contest.
Tell everyone hi for me and that I love them. Even Rosalyn.
Love,
Dulcie (who is currently the most depressing shade of blue in the world)
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Jocelyn Millard
——March 19/1:32 p.m.——
This was a set-up! YOU did this.
Text Message From Jocelyn Millard: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 19/1:33 p.m.——
No idea what ur talking about. Rn’t u supposed 2b paying attention to ropes course instructions?
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Jocelyn Millard
——March 19/1:34 p.m.——
Exactly. High ropes buddy course. With HANNAH for a buddy! That’s mean. I hate heights.
Text Message From Jocelyn Millard: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 19/1:35 p.m.——
Then b glad ur with Hannah. I hear she’s done this lots with her youth group.
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Jocelyn Millard
——March 19/1:35 p.m.——
Tht is the point. She should still b IN youth group. N I should B on solid ground. We should all stay where we belong. Nt up 100 ft in air!!!
Text Message From Jocelyn Millard: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 19/1:36 p.m.——
Only 50 ft. Which u would kno IF U WERE PAYING ATTENTION!
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Jocelyn Millard
——March 19/1:37 p.m.——
Sheesh. Ur such a mom.
From: Marianne Hausten
To: Dulcie Huckleberry
Subject: Live from the ropes course
You won’t believe this. Brenna is stuck in the middle of the high ropes course! She didn’t look too excited about going up there. I think she especially wasn’t happy about being paired up with Hannah. I think Jocelyn did that. But you know Brenna isn’t one to back away from a challenge.
She and Hannah had to help each other across a tightrope about fifty feet in the air. Brenna did okay at first, but she got halfway out and looked down, and now she won’t move!
Ooohh, I think they’re arguing! How awful. Hannah says “Look at my eyes, not the ground.” And Brenna says…oh dear, she says, “What would you know about it anyway? You think youth group trust games gives you the experience to talk me out of a panic attack?” That was not very nice, but you know how direct Brenna can be. And she’s scared, poor thing. I don’t know why she agreed to go up there, except she didn’t want to look like a coward.
The ropes director wants to know if Brenna wants to come down. The rest of us rolled our eyes at that. We know her too well. Sure enough, she shook her head. She needs to let Hannah help her, but she’s too stubborn.
Hannah and Brenna are talking now. We can’t hear them, but I think Hannah is trying to distract Brenna and make her relax. They’re each standing on a tightrope, gripping each other’s hands. If they let go, they’ll fall off the tightrope. Of course, they’ve got safety harnesses, so they’re not in real danger. But I bet it doesn’t make Brenna feel any better!
And it looks like it’s going to rain! Jocelyn just asked if it starts raining if they’ll stop the activity. The director says only if high winds or lightning. I want to know what about hail?
Uh-oh, it’s sprinkling. I’d better put away my phone so it doesn’t get wet. Sorry to leave you “hanging.” I’m sure one of us will let you know how it turns out.
Marianne
E-mail sent by cell phone
From: Dulcie Huckleberry
To: Marianne Hausten
Subject: Re: Live from the ropes course
My darling friend,
You will be DEAD from the ropes course if you don’t tell me what happened! This is torture—which, while technically no longer illegal in the U.S., is highly unethical and rather mean. Especially of you
r best friend!
I don’t care if your phone gets a little wet— GIVE ME THE REST OF THE STORY!
Dulcie
From: Marianne Hausten
To: Dulcie Huckleberry
Subject: Re: Live from the ropes course
Good grief-—violent much, are you? We’re all huddled in the supply hut, except for the belayers who have to keep hold of the safety lines. It’s pouring out there! And it’s cold. I can’t believe it isn’t snowing. The ropes director told them they have five more minutes and then she’s going to lower them by their safety harnesses.
I can hardly see them through the rain, but right before the rest of us dashed for the hut, Hannah had managed to get Brenna to move a few steps. I think they’re making progress. If they can get to the end of the line, there’s a little tree-house-type enclosure up there that they can wait out the storm in.
It’s okay—they’re not in any danger. I’m more worried about them all getting too cold and wet. But we’ll get them dried off when they come in. It’s not supposed to rain too long.
Marianne
E-mail sent by cell phone
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 19/2:48 p.m.——
Am at top of hi ropes course! Afraid of heights, had panic attack, Hannah for buddy. Pouring rain. But Hannah is my hero—we r in tree house now waiting out storm. Cold, but found blankets. Talking lots about big stuff. Will tell more L8r. Hannah says hi.
Text Message From Dulcie Huckleberry: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 19/2:55 p.m.——
Thank God you guys are ok! I was worried. Marianne told me you were stuck. Tell Hannah thank you for rescuing my friend. Love you!
From: P. Lorimer
To: Dulcie Huckleberry
Subject: Did you hear about this afternoon?
I don’t know if anyone e-mailed you or not, but there was a huge rainstorm this afternoon while Brenna and Hannah were on the high ropes course. They’re okay, but they had to spend an extra hour up in the tree house.
I wasn’t there. I was still relaxing in my room. But I talked to Hannah after they returned. Very interesting discussion. It turns out that Brenna and Hannah had a great talk while they were waiting out the storm. Hannah said they talked about being married so young and having children. She told Brenna that being at the retreat made her feel for the first time what it might have been like at college—with so many people around and a group of friends just a door down the hall from her at all times. Brenna said that she’d always wanted to go to college, too, but it’s a lot harder with kids. Then she told Hannah that she thinks Hannah should still do it. It won’t be like staying in a dorm or sharing a house with a bunch of girls, but that she should use the gifted brain God gave her. That she could do that and still be a good mom and wife. Hannah said it was such an encouragement, she “like totally went all waterworks on Brenna.” :)
It sounds as if they are now on an easier footing with each other. Hannah told me that as soon as she got back to her room and dried off, she called Bradley and had a serious discussion with him. She told him that she does not want to always be pregnant and that she would like to come to an agreement on how many children they will have. (Negotiated four, apparently.) She also said she wanted his promise that she could take college classes after those children are school-age. He promised, and we’ll just have to see if he keeps his word. I still have mixed feelings about her, but I do admire her for being that frank with him. It’s a start.
Brenna denies being responsible for this, but I rather imagine that she had more influence than she’s willing to admit. I doubt Hannah will be officially joining the ranks of Green Eggs any time soon, but you know—she really isn’t as bad as we all thought. It’s been good to meet her. She is so YOUNG! But she’s got lots of potential, too.
Miss you, dear one,
Phyllis
From: Dulcie Huckleberry
To: P. Lorimer
Subject: Waaaahhhh!
I miss you, too! I can’t believe all this excitement happened without me. If you can call me tonight, please do. I am SO lonely now! I just put the girls to bed. The house is quiet except for the miserable echoes of my friends’ laughter coming from my e-mail in-box.
Dulcie
Text Message From Tom Huckleberry: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 19/8:15 p.m.——
Get packed. I’ll be home in another hour. Your flight for CO leaves at 11:53 p.m. tonight.
Text Message From Dulcie Huckleberry: For Tom Huckleberry
——March 19/8:15 p.m.——
WHAT? U R @ convention. & why aren’t u answering phone?
Text Message From Tom Huckleberry: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 19/8:16 p.m.——
Sorry. Was on phone making travel arrangements for you. Convention is great, but I can’t concentrate. Thinking 2 much about u and worrying. So decided pointless to stay at convention. Was able to get you on a flight tonight but u and girls have 2 b ready to hop in car when I get there.
Text Message From Dulcie Huckleberry: For Tom Huckleberry
——March 19/8:17 p.m.——
You don’t have 2 do this. I’m fine. Really.
Text Message From Tom Huckleberry: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 19/8:18 p.m.——
Well, one of us is now committed to going to retreat. And rooming w/ Marianne. Very awkward if person is me. Afraid u have 2 go. I want u 2 go. K?
Text Message From Dulcie Huckleberry: For Tom Huckleberry
——March 19/8:18 p.m.——
I love you.
Text Message From Tom Huckleberry: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 19/8:18 p.m.——
And I adore you.
From: Dulcie Huckleberry
To: Thomas Huckleberry
Subject: Thank you!
My darling, wonderful, sweet Tom,
It’s Saturday afternoon, and I just wanted to tell you how the day is going. I’m SO tired—-Jocelyn and Marianne snuck me into the camp about 4:00 this morning. But I got a few hours of sleep, and then in the morning, I walked over to the breakfast hall with Marianne—wearing a hastily made name tag, of course.
It was SO much fun watching people fall over themselves when they saw who I was! Almost makes up for having to miss Thursday and Friday. I thought Brenna and Zelia were going to rip me to pieces trying to hug me. And they nearly did rip Joc and Marianne to shreds for not letting them in on the surprise.
It’s so wonderful to see them all. We got the Green Eggs and Ham girls all together for the first time after breakfast. We sat around a table and stared at each other. Then Phyllis started to cry, and then we all cried. Even Iona—our newest Egg. And I’m not even sure why.
Then she dived for her notebook and pen because she said crying was cathartic and that she was now inspired at that very moment to finish a commissioned poem she’d been working on. She was muttering something about “saltwater” and “metaphorical tears.” Zelia gave her a weird look, and she sort of nodded. But she wouldn’t show us the poem. Something about “when all our paths intersect with the perfect point in time” then she’d show us the poem.
She’s so weird! We all are, I guess. But these are all the sisters of my heart, and being together…it was like a desert place in my heart I didn’t even know was there finally received a soaking, healing rain.
Thank you so much for giving up the rest of your convention for me. You didn’t have to. You’re going to go to the very next one, even if I have to decorate a hundred Elvis living rooms.
All my love,
Dulcie
Text Message From Zelia Muzuwa: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 20/2:20
p.m.——
Hey, surprise-girl! Where ru? Is Phyllis with u?
Text Message From Dulcie Huckleberry: For Zelia Muzuwa
——March 20/2:21 p.m.——
Haven’t seen Phyllis. Ask Brenna. Am going to ride horses. Wanna come?
Text Message From Zelia Muzuwa: For Dulcie Huckleberry
——March 20/2:21 p.m.——
Wretched, crazed beasts. You be careful!
Text Message From Zelia Muzuwa: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 20/2:26 p.m.——
Have u seen Phyllis? Where ru?
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Zelia Muzuwa
——March 20/2:27 p.m.——
I think she’s in our room. Why? I’m going to play Frisbee golf. Wht ru doing?
Text Message From Zelia Muzuwa: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 20/2:27 p.m.——
She suppsd 2 go hiking w/us. Wht she doing in room?
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Zelia Muzuwa
——March 20/2:28 p.m.——
Sorry, made me promise not to tell you. But I strongly advise interrupting her.
Text Message From Zelia Muzuwa: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 20/2:29 p.m.——
Oh she’s NOT. Tell me she isn’t!!! Not on a retreat!
Text Message From Brenna Lindburg: For Zelia Muzuwa
——March 20/2:29 p.m.——
Fraid so. Tried to talk her out of it, but she insisted.
Text Message From Zelia Muzuwa: For Brenna Lindburg
——March 20/2:30 p.m.——
Ridiculous! Ok, summon all the Green Eggs. This is an intervention!
Text Message From Veronica Marcello: For Rosalyn Ebberly
——March 20/2:47 p.m.——
Where have you been all afternoon? Better come quick to the main hall. And bring camera!
Text Message From Rosalyn Ebberly: For Veronica Marcello
——March 20/2:50 p.m.——
Was signing papers to reserve space for next year’s retreat. What’s wrong?
Text Message From Veronica Marcello: For Rosalyn Ebberly