by S J Batsford
My thoughts jumble as we whiz through numerous streets.
I wonder if Mom will come here for Thanksgiving? It’s not something we ever celebrated, but Nan does. And what about Christmas? I don’t think I could pull off a happy Christmas without her.
I blink as the car slows and we park outside a cute house. Cream, white trimming with a wide veranda. White door and fence. With loads of different coloured flowers. It looks exactly like the pictures Mom had, from when she was younger.
I feel a sharp longing for my Mom. “Come on then, Missy, let’s get these inside and get you settled into your Mom’s old room.” She smiles happily.
I feel brighter knowing I’ll be staying in Mom’s old room.
Grabbing two cases, I head, up the path. Looking around I notice the street is pretty quiet and peaceful.
On entering I absorb my surroundings. It’s all open planned. The living rooms larger than I thought it would be, and a lot more modern. With a big corner sofa, flat screen TV. A gorgeous ornate marble coffee table. Marble fireplace and matching lamps on side tables, either side of the sofa. And all tiled floors as far as I can see.
“Wow.”
She laughs at my face. “What, because I'm old I can’t like modern things?” she asks sarcastically.
“No, I’m just shocked. It’s bigger than I imagined. It’s beautiful Nan, you have great taste.” I smile.
She looks around the room proudly, assessing before heading for the stairs.
I’m mesmerized. All the way up the stairs are pictures. Some of Grandad when he was a young man, then older. Mom as a baby, crawling, walking, then as a child riding her bike. Climbing trees, swimming in the sea. Standing with a friend in their prom dresses. Dancing, ballet. I smile. We pass some of me as a baby. Then one of Mom, Nan, Grandad and me. I stop to look at it.
“Where was this taken?” I ask staring at the picture.
“That was the last picture of us all together…. Before your Grandpa died. It was taken on our last visit to London.”
“I don’t remember Grandad; he was a handsome man,” I say proudly, and she giggles.
“Don’t I know it? He was a looker when he was younger. Quite the ladies-man. I didn’t like him at first, but he wore me down,” she whispers, smiling sadly at the picture.
Sighing she moves on. I follow taking in the pictures. They progress all the way up, Mom and I gradually getting older. All of my school pictures up until I left are present. I take them in one after another, open mouthed. I didn't think she cared.
“They’re all there. Just because I stopped visiting, doesn't mean I didn’t care. I missed you and both every day, I just couldn’t fly that distance anymore,” she says quietly, looking ashamed and leads the way into my new room, my Mom’s old room.
It’s comforting. The room has been redecorated for me, but still has my Mom’s pictures and trophies on the shelves and wall.
I wander over, looking at the photos. Each of a much younger version of my Mom. Some alone and others with her arm around another girl.
“That’s Tiffany Price. She was your mom’s best friend, until she moved to London. They did everything together as you can see,” she offers, looking wistfully at the photos on the wall.
I turn back looking at the rest. Some of her dancing, fishing with Grandad. Camping on the beach looking messy eating s’mores with friends. At the swimming pool and numerous school activities.
~*~
“Hi, baby. How was your flight?” Mom asks as soon as the call connects.
“Hi, Mom. I’m sorry it took so long to call. The flight was long, but the man sitting next to me kept me talking, so it wasn't that bad. I’m in your old room at the moment, unpacking.”
“Bet, it’s changed since I lived there.” She laughs, but it sounds sad. “So, you met a man on the flight?” She pauses, waiting for me to confirm or deny what she’s thinking, I laugh at her obvious interest because I'd never mentioned men before.
“Tell me about him.”
I grin, knowing where this is going.
“His name is Ethan, he was kind and distracted me from the flight,” I say leaving out the parts that we talked for hours, and he’s the sexiest bloke I’ve ever met.
I smile, remembering his gorgeous eyes.
“Lily?” she shouts into the phone, pulling it away from my ear I wince.
“Are you there?” she yells again.
“Yeah. I’m here. If not deaf now. No need to yell,” I shake my head giggling.
“Well? Was he?” she prompts. Oh crap, I drifted.
“Was he what?” I ask warily.
“Was. He. Hot?” she giggles. I’m so busted. She knows I was daydreaming about him.
“Erm, he was good looking…. Tall, light brown hair. Tanned, square jawed, fit and had the sexiest eyes. Hazel with a touch of light green.”
“Wow. He made quite the impression,” she snickers. I shake my head, grinning. I love these moments.
“So, are you seeing him again? Where’s he from? How old is he?” she fires questions at me.
I smirk, my Mom is such a girl, I can imagine her jumping up and down clapping her hands like a teenager.
“He’s from here and I don’t know where,” I add quickly. “And no, I’m not seeing him again. I don’t even know him. Besides, I’m here for school and to spend time with Nan.”
“What were you talking about then? If you don’t know him?” she inquires slyly.
I don’t answer, so she changes the subject.
“So, did Grandma decorate my room for you?”
“Yeah. New bed and things. But your pictures, trophies and awards are still on the walls,” I tease.
She groans, “I have a shrine!” She laughs, drawing a laugh from me too, because it does look like a shrine.
“Breakfast’s ready,” Nan yells up the stairs.
“I have to go Mom, Nan made breakfast,” I say.
“Ah… Blueberry pancakes and bacon. God, I miss Mom’s cooking. Okay, baby, I’ll speak to you soon. I've got to get back to work anyway. I love you,” she adds quietly, making my eyes burn.
“Bye, Mom. I love you, too.”
“Bye, baby,” she whispers as the line goes dead.
“Lily, breakfast,” Nan says from the door. I look at her tears swimming in my eyes, my phone still in hand. She comes and wraps her arms around me.
“You talked to Lizzy?” she asks, understanding clouding her words. I nod crying into her shoulder.
“I miss her so much already. I’ve never been away from her like this before. She’s my best friend.”
“It’s okay, honey, I know what you mean. I missed you both every day. I don’t understand why she moved all the way out there when her family and friends are here. I'm just so glad you're here.”
“Come on, let’s go and try your famous blueberry pancakes and bacon,” I say excitedly.
She looks at me surprised, grinning. “Lizzy's been talking about my pancakes and bacon?”
“Yeah, they’re the best apparently. I can’t wait to taste them.”
“Come on then.” We walk downstairs arms linked.
“Sit.”
I do as I’m told and wait patiently as she prepares my plate and sets in front of me.
Taking my first bite I groan. They’re so fluffy. “Oh god, these are amazing!” I mumble around a mouthful of pancake.
She chuckles, “There’s more if you want some?” “Do you want more juice?” she asks getting up.
“I can get it. You sit down and eat,” I wave her off.
I love her kitchen, it's truly amazing. Granite Worktops, white, wooden doors, double door fridge freezer with ice dispenser, range cooker and a double sink.
“So, what are you doing today?” Nan asks as I sit back down.
Picking up our empty plates, she heads to the sink.
“I’ll wash up,” I say getting up, she refuses with a shake of her head.
“You cooked. Please?” She holds her hands up in s
urrender.
“Okay. You win.” She smiles, sitting back down.
“So?” she prompts.
“Well, I think I’m going to go for a run, then shower and hang out with you?” I ask, and she agrees readily.
“Is there a park or somewhere I can go for a run?” I ask.
“Yeah. Balboa Park isn’t far from here.”
“Thanks, I shouldn’t be more than a couple of hours. I’ll have my phone with me if you need anything,” I say heading for my room to change.
~*~
Chapter Two
It feels good to be outside, the sun kissing my skin. It’s really hot, but on the plus side, being in America has the advantage of getting a free suntan.
As I run, I take in the noises around me; my breathing, cars, neighbours chatting and kids laughing. As I go through the gates of Balboa Park the noise level goes up slightly.
I stop, taking in the view before me. It’s amazingly beautiful; gardens, flowers and ponds. From what I've heard there are museums, attractions, restaurants and undoubtedly a lot more.
When I think of the word park, I envision grass, playgrounds, kids playing, dogs barking and people picnicking. Not ornate gardens and ponds. I have to admit though, it works. The results are fantastic. Mother nature at her best. Serenely.
Dazed by the beauty surrounding me, I’m shocked when I run into a wall of hard muscle and fall flat on my arse.
“I’m so sorry,” I stutter, getting up I dust off my sore arse giggling to myself.
“I wasn’t watching where I was going, too caught up in the abundance of nature.” I say, looking up at the bloke I just barrelled into.
Holy shit-balls. What is it with men here? Are they all built like brick shit houses?
He's tall, tanned and toned. With dark, wavy brown hair. Just long enough for it to fall across his brow into startling green eyes.
“It’s fine. Are you okay? You landed pretty hard there,” he asks, worry colouring his tone.
“I’m fine, really. You just gave me a sore arse,” I blurt. Gasping, I slap my hand over my mouth. Oh, my god, I did not just say that…
He cocks an eyebrow, laughter bursting from his chest.
I join in because it’s one of those moments when you either laugh or cry and laughing is better than crying. Right?
“Man, you should have seen your face. I've never seen a look of such horror,” he wheezes trying to catch his breath.
I raise my brows. “I’m glad I can amuse you with my sore arse and potty mouth,” I say boldly.
He smirks at me. “Well, can I get your name? Or do I just call you potty mouth?” His eyes twinkling.
I stick out my hand. “Lily, will do thanks,” I quip.
Smirking, he shakes my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Lily. I’m Mason, and you are definitely British. So, proper and so polite,” he teases causing my cheeks to heat.
“You, too. That’s the second time today I’ve been told that,” I smirk.
He laughs, “Which part? That I’m Mason, that you’re very British, or that you’re proper and polite?” He smirks utterly entertained.
“That'd be the latter. I’m not sure if it’s a compliment or a slight on my character,” I sigh, looking wounded.
He laughs again, “So glad I came for this run now.” Panting, he wipes his face on his shirt. Giving me a glimpse of some cut abs.
Shit me, do all men look like this or is it just the men from San Diego?
I shake myself, startled by my thoughts. I never even noticed men at home and now suddenly I’m noticing their arses and abs? I need to leave.
“It was lovely running into you and chatting, but I’ve got to get back home,” I mumble unnerved by my thoughts.
“Yeah, me too. My brothers are waiting further up the trail. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again sometime?” he asks, bouncing on the spot.
“Erm…. Not literally next time though,” I giggle.
Shaking his head, he chuckles. “I don’t know; it was rather fun…” He smirks, looking thoroughly pleased as I flush again, damn it!
“Not fun for my arse or my ego.” I fire back. Making him laugh.
He jogs backwards waving. “See you around Lily.” He shouts, sprinting off.
What a way to kick start my new life. Meeting two of the most, sexiest men I’ve ever met in one day. I grin as I make my way home
When I get home I'm still grinning from my encounter with Mason.
I find Nan in the kitchen rubbing some sort of spice mix into chicken.
I take a deep breath. “That smells amazing,” I sigh appreciatively. She grins at me over her shoulder.
“My own recipe, we’ll be having it with brown rice and baked potatoes, is that okay?”
“Sounds great. I’m going to take a quick shower, then I can help,” I smile grabbing water from the fridge.
She beams at me. “It’s wonderful having you here, honey. I’ve missed so much of your life already,” she says softly, sniffling.
On instinct I go and wrap my arms around her. She freezes momentarily, shocked, then bear hugs me, and for a short lady, she’s got some strength.
“It’s okay, you couldn’t come over and I don’t blame you, flying frightened me. Plus, we have time together now, so don’t worry,” I say brightly, backing up.
She wipes her eyes. “Yes, you’re right, I’m okay, you go shower. I’m just happy you’re here,” she says cheerfully, shooing me out the kitchen.
~*~
I bound down the stairs, fresh from the shower. Hearing voices coming from the living room I head out that way.
“Here she is. Lily, meet Tiffany and Millie.”
I freeze, blush and blurt. “You were mom’s best friend... From the pictures, upstairs,” snorting, she turns to Nan.
“You’ve still got those old photo’s up?”
I watch her as she talks. She looks the same as she did back then. Short, blonde, tanned, toned and blue eyed. The few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth tell me she laughs a lot.
As I’m scrutinising Tiffany, I realise I’m also being scrutinised by Millie.
She smiles shyly at me. She's a mini version of her mom, minus the wrinkles and with glasses.
“Hi, I’m Millie. It’s great to finally meet you. We’ve heard a lot about you over the years,” she says quietly.
Wow, she's the total opposite of her mom. She’s quiet and unsure, while Tiffany is loud and confident.
“Hi, I’m Lily. But obviously, you already know that.” I chuckle and she smiles.
“Lily, why don’t you go and show Millie the photos of your Mom and Tiff while we check on lunch?” Nan urges.
I roll my eyes. I’m way too old for a playdate. Still, I do as I’m asked.
“Come on, let’s let the adults natter,” I nudge her playfully, giggling she follows me.
“I like the way you speak.” Her voice is so sweet, it's almost like a child's.
“Thanks, it’s the way I was born,” I joke and she laughs this time.
“You’re a lot like how my mom described your mom. Funny, quick witted and smart,” she says softly as we enter my room.
I point towards the pictures and she scans them quietly. This is so different from my encounter with Mason. He was open and fun and our conversation just flowed, but our conversations feel strained, I like her and she’s probably really nice, maybe she needs time to get to know me.
It's strange, we're so alike and so different all at once.
“You know; I was never like this back home. I feel different here…” I shrug, not sure what changed, but I’m realising I’m a different person here.
“You’re different from your mother,” I say carefully.
“Yeah, I’m nothing like my mom. I’m quiet, plain, dull and nerdy,” she laughs humourlessly.
I’m shocked; she’s a beautiful girl and she thinks she’s plain?
“That’s not what I meant. Yes, you are quiet and shy but so was I. People
used to say I was dull and a nerd because I liked to read and hang out with my Mom,” I shrug. “I’m hoping we can be friends though since the only person I know here is my Nan.” I pull a face making her giggle.
“I’d like that too.”
“So, where are you going to school?” I ask trying to make her more at ease with me.
“University of San Diego. What about you?” she asks, sitting on my bed.
“Same, I’m studying dance and creative writing. I want to be a writer.” I smile nervously. "What are you studying?" I ask.
“I’m studying art and creative writing too,” she says excitedly, beaming at me.
The more she comes out of her shell the more I like her.
The smell of food brings us back downstairs.
“Hey, Nan, are Tiffany and Millie staying for dinner?” I ask hopefully, I'm enjoying having someone my own age around.
“Yes, honey. Tiff and I were just saying how it would be lovely if you two stuck together. You don’t know anyone here yet and Millie usually keeps to herself.”
Millie and I look at each other and burst out laughing.
“What are the two of you laughing about?” she asks with mock sternness.
“Nan… People don’t ‘stick together’ anymore. They hang out or chill,” I gasp, bending over to catch my breath.
Millie is still giggling behind her hand, trying to hide it.
“Well, whatevs. You two should totally chill together,” she says, giving some real attitude for an older lady.
Millie's given up on hiding her laughter, she’s shaking as tears run down her face. Tiffany and I aren’t in any better shape. Tiffany’s got her head in her arms on the table; laughing so hard she’s snorting. I lean against the wall, holding my sides laughing so hard they ache. Nan just sits there with an innocent look on her face, as if to say, what did I say that was so funny?
“I should’ve moved here ages ago. I’ve laughed more since being here than I have in ages... And now… I know where Mom gets her attitude from.”
Her smile is the brightest I’ve seen and her eyes shining with happiness.
Dinner is loud and filled with laughter. Nan and Tiffany talk constantly telling stories. By the time they leave I’m exhausted and aching.
