Page 11 of Our Moon
I hadn’t really thought about that. Perhaps it’s a subconscious thing. Maybe somewhere deep inside of me remembers the accident and my lack of enthusiasm for the task stems from that. Maybe it’s my body or mind’s way of protecting itself. Though I wasn’t driving that night, and I’m not afraid to be in a car. So who really knows?
“Do you think that’s possible?”
“The mind is an amazing thing, and fear can be a very strong emotion. I like to think that anything is possible, and that seems to be very true when it comes to the mind.”
Well, that was clear as mud.
“I just wish my mind would throw me a bone.”
Dr. Moody smiles, “Indeed.”
We move on to talk about how I’ve been spending my days and my future goals. When I talk about how I love being in the kitchen, she suggests the possibility of culinary school, and a future in that field. I worry about the expense, but she reminds me that my parents left behind a sizable estate, and I know my brothers aren’t broke either. I still feel guilty taking money that I don’t feel is mine, and I tell her that, so she suggests I get a job but still consider accepting financial support from my family.
I leave with homework: research opportunities for a future in cooking or baking, and discuss it with my brothers. She assures me they will be supportive of whatever I want to do, as long as it makes me happy. I’m pretty sure culinary school will make me happy.
***
Trevor drops me off at home after my appointment. He has to go meet the guys at the studio. They’re working on recording their second album. Apparently they put it on hold when I woke up, and now that I’m home and doing well, they’re moving along with it. Fortunately for them, the head of the label they signed with has been very supportive of their situation, i.e. me, and gave them some generous time off. But it’s back to the grindstone for them now.
I welcome the peace and quiet at home and pull out my laptop to do some research. My new Dell is just one of the many endlessgifts my brothers have bestowed upon me. I search for culinary schools in Charlotte and immediately come across The Art Institute. They have a degree program in Culinary Arts and a Certificate program in Baking and Pastry. I can do both, and I can do them close to home. I’m sold. That was easier than I thought it would be.
I gather information and take notes on the programs and the cost. I also map out the distance between home and the school, building my case to present to Trevor and Alex. I spend hours browsing the curriculum and course descriptions. There are techniques they teach that I’ve never even heard of, not that I’m a culinary genius or anything. But I’m getting excited. This is something I can do and something I will love. Something I can be passionate about.
When Trevor and Alex get home later that evening, they’re not alone. Chase is with them. Do I want to have this conversation with Chase present? I don’t know, but I’m practically vibrating with excitement so I can’t possibly put it off until their marathon XBOX session is over.
I walk to the doorway of what I affectionately call ‘the man room’ and ask, “Can I talk to you guys for a minute?” Trevor and Alex look over at me with alarm. I suppose I’ve never taken such a serious tone with them before.
Chase speaks up, “I can go.”
“No, it’s okay,” I tell him. And I think that’s the first sentence I have actually spoken directly to Chase since I’ve been home. “It’s nothing bad or personal.” Trevor and Alex visibly relax. As does Chase. Odd.
“What’s up, kid?” Trevor asks.
I am holding all my papers against my chest, and I can tell they’re all curious as to what I’ve got in my hands. “As you know,” I start out very formally, “I had my appointment with Dr. Moody today.” They all nod and wait for me to continue. “She encouraged me to make future plans.”
“What kind of plans?” Alex asks sharply. He’s always had a love/hate relationship with Dr. Moody. He wasn’t pleased that she kept them from me the first few days I was up out of the coma and was always worried she would talk me into staying at the facility or living in a group home or something. But he could still appreciate the benefits of my sessions with her. My progress has shown over the past few weeks.
“Chill out, bro. Let her talk.”
I smile my thanks to Trevor and continue. “I want to go to culinary school,” I blurt. I close my eyes tight so I that can’t see their reaction. I don’t know what I expect, but I’m nervous they’ll laugh at me or tell me no.
I jump as I feel a hand on my arm. I open my eyes and look up at Alex. I didn’t evenhear him approach. And he’s smiling. “That’s awesome, little sis.”
“It is?” I ask, not feeling any of my earlier confidence.
“Yeah, it is,” he nods.
I look over to Trevor, “Do you think it’s awesome?”
His usual serious expression fades into a smile, “I think it’s a great idea. I think you’ll do awesome in culinary school.”
“You’d make a great chef, Ally,” Chase says.
I look down and blush from Chase’s praise. “Thanks, guys. Your support means so much to me.” I show them the things I printed out and begin talking very animatedly. “I found a school here in Charlotte, The Art Institute. They have a Culinary Arts degree programanda Baking and Pastry certificate program. I downloaded all this information, and I really think I can do both.” I continue to tell them all about the classes and how close the campus is. My excitement is palpable.
“That’s so great, Al,” Alex says, giving me a side hug. If I’m not mistaken, it looks like he has tears in his eyes. All the boys look a little somber.
“Are you guys okay? Is there something wrong? Do you not want me to go?”
