A Life Less Ordinary

by Bernadine, Victoria

  Maybe it’s his girlfriend. Maybe it’s one of his clients – he does still have to work, you know.

  Hmmmm. Maybe...You gotta admit, he knows how to rock a pair of jeans. Jesus, his legs go on forever!

  ...Are you going to be like this the whole time?

  Look, you’re forty-five, not dead! What’s it gonna hurt to let your hormones have a party? He’ll never know.

  I’ll know – and I’m the one it’s gonna hurt when I forget that it’s only my hormones having a party. We’ve been here before, remember?

  That was a long time ago. And one bad experience -

  I’m not thinking about this anymore. Got it?

  ...Yeah, ‘cause I’ve always listened to you before.

  ~~~~~

  Zeke wondered at the rueful grimace on Manny’s face as he walked towards her, and felt a stab of fear as he wondered if she’d overheard his conversation with Leah and TJ. It wasn’t just that he didn’t want his assignment to be finished before it had truly begun; it was also what he’d said to Leah and TJ: he might reach new highs – or lows – of snark and sarcasm in his blogs, but he truly didn’t want to hurt Manny. She really was like an old maiden aunt, creeping tentatively out of her safe cocoon that was probably festooned with flowers – with a name like Rose, how could it not? - ready to bolt back to safety at the first hint of danger or anything else that could potentially knock her out of her calm and steady path.

  Which made the fact she’d thrown away everything safe and secure that much more puzzling for him. He wondered what would happen when she realized just what she’d done; he wasn’t sure he wanted to be there to witness the meltdown when she did.

  The object of his thoughts gave him a half-smile and tossed him the keys.

  “Your turn to drive,” she said.

  “Okay, Auntie Em,” he replied, thankfully changing the course of his thoughts.

  She froze in mid-step. “What did you just call me?”

  He gave her a cheeky grin, his eyes dark and dancing with amusement.

  “Hey – you said to think of you as my maiden aunt -”

  “Or your sister!” she protested.

  He cocked his head as he considered her carefully, taking in her mousy, not-quite-blonde-not-quite-brown hair pulled into a tight bun, the shapeless sweat pants, and the equally shapeless t-shirt. He decisively shook his head.

  “Nah – you don’t look anything like me. So, Auntie Em it is.”

  “That’s what you think,” she growled as she yanked open the van door and clambered inside, “or do you want me to start calling you Dorothy?”

  “Maybe when we get to Kansas,” he shrugged, and Manny laughed in spite of herself.

  Maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all, Zeke thought as he pulled out of the parking lot.

  * * * * *

  Day 7

  It took them four days to get out of Alberta by way of the Rockies, with a side trip to the badlands. They toured Jasper and Banff and hiked a couple of short trails at each location. Manny was panting like a steam engine by the time they were done.

  Zeke’s blog that night was about the value of keeping in shape.

  They toured Kananaskis then headed east to Drumheller. Zeke’s jaw dropped when he saw the badlands and they spent a full day touring the museum, and going on a walking tour even though the weather had turned blustery again. Springtime in Alberta, Manny sighed, and Zeke ruefully agreed.

  But the area was ruggedly beautiful and breathtakingly desolate, and he admitted he wished they were staying longer as they reluctantly put the badlands in their rear view mirror.

  Everywhere they went, Manny snapped pictures of the scenery and buildings and interesting people, but she seldom spoke unless spoken to, and while she was friendly to strangers, she never, as far as Zeke could tell, initiated a conversation.

  His next blog talked about loneliness and social isolation.

  From Drumheller they headed to the Crowsnest Pass and Frank Slide, another site that caused Zeke’s jaw to drop. The rocks looked fake, like Styrofoam, and if it weren’t for the sheer scale of the site, Zeke would have believed they were driving through the world’s largest movie set.

  They toured the interpretative centre, and Manny blinked away tears at the story of a town devastated by a mountain collapsing on top of it. As they left, Manny told him about a field trip she’d taken many years earlier where they’d found a rock almost two miles from the site, evidence of the force and power of the slide.

  Zeke’s blog that night talked about empathy and soft hearts too easily bruised.

  By the time they were two hours out of San Francisco, they’d been travelling for a week, and they were both tired of moving.

  Manny glanced over at Zeke, where he sat relaxed behind the wheel.

  “Do you want to find someplace to sleep?” she asked. “Make it to San Francisco tomorrow?”

  Zeke considered the suggestion. A part of him was anxious to get to their destination, if only because they intended to stay in one place for a few days. But it was already dark, and San Francisco wasn’t going anywhere.

  “Sounds like a good idea,” he agreed.

  Manny opened the glove compartment and pulled out her guidebook of the area. “There’s supposed to be a bed and breakfast near here. I’ll call; see if they have any room.”

  “Rooms,” Zeke quickly corrected.

  Manny rolled her eyes so hard Zeke imagined he could actually hear them.

  “Seriously, you need to relax. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, your virtue is beyond safe with me, puppy.”

  Zeke laughed incredulously. “What did you call me?”

  “Puppy,” Manny said distractedly, trying to dial her cell phone while holding her penlight on the page with the number of the bed and breakfast. She glanced at him as she hit send and lifted the phone to her ear.

  “You know,” she told him as the phone rang on the other end, “wide-eyed and stupid and too young to take seriously.”

  “I am thirty-five years old!” Zeke protested.

  “Biologically, maybe,” Manny grinned then turned her attention to the person who answered the phone.

  * * * * *

  Day 8

  Manny walked into the dining room and smiled rather tentatively at the elderly woman sitting at the table. The woman was exotically beautiful, her skin a rich brown, her eyes dark, and her face bright with intelligence, wit, humour and curiosity.

  “Good morning, Ms Mankowski,” she greeted with a warm smile and Manny couldn’t help staring at the sound of her smoky voice.

  “Good morning,” she replied.

  “I’m Leila. Welcome to my home. Help yourself to whatever you’d like and have a seat at my table.”

  Leila waved a wrinkled but still graceful hand towards the sideboard where there was a coffee pot, cups, sugar and cream, as well as tea and juice.

  Manny smiled again and thanked her. She sat rather hesitantly at the table with her filled cup of coffee. Leila smiled at her, a friendly twinkle in her eyes. Manny did her best not to stare as she smiled back rather shyly and took a sip of her coffee.

  My God, she’s beautiful! Harvey breathed.

  I know! Look at that skin! It’s so clear. And she sounds like Lauren Bacall, too.

  “You’re staring,” Leila said, gently amused.

  Manny’s eyes widened and she flushed guiltily. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.” She sighed ruefully. “I hadn’t realized just how much my social skills have withered away.” She squared her shoulders and smiled at Leila. “I was admiring your complexion and your voice. They’re both beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Leila replied, her eyes dancing with amusement. “I appreciate that, especially about my complexion, since I’ve spent most of my life in the sun. I’m from Hawaii,” she added at Manny’s curious frown.

  “Oh! I’ve never been there,” Manny said wistfully.

  “It’s beautiful and everyone should exp
erience it at least once.”

  “How did you end up here in northern California?”

  “A combination of things, but mainly because my grandchildren are here. Once I started having trouble walking, it made sense to move where I had family who could help take care of me.” Leila gestured ruefully at the cane beside her and Manny glanced over at the wheelchair sitting discreetly in the corner of the dining room.

  Manny grimaced in sympathy. “I’m sorry.” Something struck her and she frowned slightly. “You moved here to be near your grandchildren? Does that mean your children...?”

  Leila laughed huskily. “Oh, no – my son isn’t dead if that’s what you’re worried about. He’s also here in northern California, but he doesn’t approve of my husband and while he was at my wedding, he’s currently not speaking to me.” She shrugged gracefully. “He’ll forgive me sooner or later.”

  “Oh,” Manny said, feeling almost ridiculously relieved.

  Leila considered her thoughtfully. “You seem like a nice girl, Ms Mankowski.”

  Manny blushed and squirmed slightly at the compliment.

  “Please – call me Manny,” she mumbled, looking down at her coffee cup.

  “But isn’t your name Rose?” She shrugged at Manny’s startled look. “I checked the register. I’m always curious about who’s eating breakfast with me.”

  Manny nodded and grinned sheepishly. “I can understand that. And yes, my name is Rose, but I’ve never been very Rose-like. Everyone calls me Manny.”

  “Even your mother?”

  Manny laughed. “No, but my mom and dad were the only exceptions. Everyone else – even my sister – calls me Manny.”

  Zeke walked into the dining room as she finished speaking. He smiled at them, giving Leila a smile with extra charm as he wished them good morning.

  “Good morning, Mr. Powell,” Leila greeted.

  “Zeke, please.”

  “Leila.”

  “Nice to meet you. I want to compliment you on your establishment here. It’s a beautiful house.”

  “Thank you,” Leila nodded graciously. “The house is a hundred and fifty years old and far too big for me. I’m very glad my grandchildren came up with the bed and breakfast idea.”

  “Don’t you find it odd, though, to have strangers in your house?” Manny asked.

  Leila shrugged. “Some are stranger than others, I’ll admit, and some have caused a few moments of concern. However, I truly believe that a stranger is simply a friend you haven’t met yet. My grandchildren knew I couldn’t get out into the world as easily as I used to, so they decided to bring the world to me. I have to admit, for the most part, we’ve loved every minute of it!”

  They smiled at each other in perfect harmony.

  “Breakfast will be served shortly,” Leila continued.

  Zeke nodded and turned to Manny. “What’s on the agenda for today, Auntie Em?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

  Manny mock-glared at him. “I told you not to call me that!”

  Zeke’s grin was challenging. “If I’m a puppy, then you’re definitely my old maiden aunt. So – Auntie Em it is.”

  Leila laughed. “That’s rather sweet, actually.”

  “If you say so,” Manny sighed. “Makes me feel ancient, though.”

  “Better than being ancient. Trust me, I know!”

  Manny looked embarrassed and stricken, and Zeke watched with interest as she blushed and stammered a garbled apology.

  “No need to apologize,” Leila assured her with an airy wave of her hand. She directed a suddenly serious look at Manny as she said, “Enjoy your youth – and from where I’m sitting, you are still in your youth.” She reached over and gently tapped the back of Manny’s hand. “Don’t make yourself older than you are.”

  Manny stared at her with wide eyes, unable to think of what to say in response.

  Leila smiled, sat back and nodded decisively. “Now, what’s on your agenda for today, Manny?”

  Manny bit her lip then said, “We’re going to San Francisco today. I have a whole list of sights to see and things to do, including a Victorian house tour, Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz.”

  Zeke rolled his eyes. “Ugh,” he said, but he winked when he met Leila’s questioning gaze. She sternly suppressed a smile but her eyes danced at him.

  Manny rolled her own eyes back at him. “You can do what you like once we get to San Francisco,” she sniffed, “I have plans.”

  Leila chuckled. “Do you have a place to stay in San Francisco?”

  “Not yet,” Manny replied. “I’m sure we’ll find a place when we get there.”

  “Well, I have another bed and breakfast there, in one of the Victorian houses. We can’t take many guests but I happen to know we have two vacant rooms right now. How long are you planning on staying?”

  “I don’t really have a time when we have to leave.” She glanced at Zeke. “I’m planning on staying until I’ve seen and done everything I want to see and do. There’s also a ghost tour, and Coit Tower – and shopping! Ghirandelli chocolates...shoes...” she trailed off, staring off into the distance with a dreamy smile.

  Zeke stared at her in growing consternation. “Oh, man...”

  Manny deliberately ignored him. “I’m not sure what he’s going to do – and I don’t care – oh, except Winchester House!” She turned to Zeke with an excited grin. “You have got to go with me to that one!”

  She was practically vibrating with enthusiasm.

  Zeke stared at her, taken aback. “Old maiden aunt is right!”

  Manny wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out at him.

  Leila laughed, and gently tapped the back of his hand. “You should keep an open mind, young man. You might be surprised by what happens when you do.”

  Zeke grinned wickedly. “You’re very sweet, Leila, but a little naïve. My idea of a good time involves loud music and women who -” He stopped, suddenly disconcerted as he realized what he was about to say to a woman who was old enough to be his grandmother. Great-grandmother, if he wanted to be cruel.

  Leila laughed delightedly. “I’ve been around, young man, and I’m virtually unshockable. I’m not surprised you like women who...” She trailed off and raised her eyebrows suggestively, “and with those criteria, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained in San Francisco. But I also recommend you do at least some of the activities Manny has planned. You’ll enjoy yourself – I promise.”

  Zeke glanced over at Manny and shrugged. “I make no promises that I’ll enjoy myself but I’ll escort her on all of the activities she has planned.”

  Manny beamed at him.

  “Except the shopping,” he added quickly.

  “Fair enough,” she agreed. She turned her grin to Leila. “This is going to be awesome!”

  * * * * *

  Day 9

  Leah and TJ sat in their living room surrounded by pamphlets and reference books their doctor had provided or recommended. They were each studiously reading a pamphlet on different fertility treatments and options, and TJ, for one, felt like he’d fallen down the rabbit hole. The options were so varied, he had no idea how they’d ever decide which one – or ones - to pursue.

  He finished his pamphlet and tossed it on the coffee table with a groan. He rubbed his eyes as Leah glanced up and smiled at him.

  “What was yours?” she asked.

  “In vitro fertilization – yours?”

  “Intrauterine insemination.”

  “What’s the difference?”

  Leah raised her pamphlet. “Turkey baster.” She gestured at the pamphlet he’d tossed down. “Petri dish.”

  “Ew.”

  Leah shrugged. “Well, the old-fashioned way isn’t going to work,” she said breezily.

  “I know,” TJ said and subsided into brooding silence, lost in his own thoughts. Leah watched him, her mouth turned down in a concerned frown.

  TJ looked at her with solemn, sad eyes. “I’m sorry, Leah.”

>   Leah smiled at him and shook her head. “Not your fault.”

  “Well, technically -”

  “I mean,” Leah chuckled, waving his words off, “it’s not something you did deliberately. I’m pretty sure the doctor would have mentioned a vasectomy.”

  TJ shrugged and nodded. “Or you would have noticed a scar,” he conceded.

  “Depends on the skill of the doctor.” TJ stared. “Or so I’ve heard,” she quickly added.

  TJ slowly smiled then laughed.

  “Still,” he said, his smile slowly fading, “it is my fault – whether deliberate or not.”

  “No,” Leah said firmly. “It’s not your fault. It isn’t anyone’s fault. It just...is.”

  Leah moved to sit beside him. She put her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder.

  “I love you, you know,” she said softly. “For you - and not because you’re supposed to give me children.

  TJ swallowed heavily. “What about my money?” he joked weakly, his voice choked.

  Leah smiled against his shoulder. “We-ell, that doesn’t hurt. Naturally.”

  “Naturally,” TJ agreed solemnly and kissed her.

  Leah smiled softly. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too. And...whatever you want to do about...” he gestured vaguely at the pamphlets strewn over the coffee table, “...all of this...Money’s no object, you know.”

  “I know.”

  “I just want you to be happy.”

  “I know,” Leah assured him, “and I just want you to be happy. We’ll decide together; we’ll do what we’re both comfortable with, not just me. Okay? But I am not going to lose you over this.”

  TJ hugged her closer and kissed her again. “And I’m not going to lose you,” he promised. “We’ll figure something out,” he vowed softly.

  She smiled sweetly at him. “No doubt about it,” she agreed firmly.

  * * * * *

  Day 10

  Rebecca opened the front door and greeted Jaime and Tris with a smile.

  “Tris, why don’t you go to your room while I talk to Gramma,” Jaime said after the obligatory chat about what was new since the last time they’d seen each other.