Page 76 of The Heiress
“Well, you helped me to rise above, out of the ashes,” I said, stroking her hair. I had an insane urge to kiss her.
“Like a Phoenix,” Mom jumped in, the mist of nostalgia in her eye. “Ah! So true to your name! When you were born, you were this little red bundle, almost crimson, all scrunched up and wrinkly. And I think a nurse or a doctor called youPhoenix, which is the Greek word for dark red, and we called you that while we were deciding on a name. And when we did our research about the Phoenix, we liked it because it was a majestic bird which symbolized hope and renewal and yes, it rose from the ashes.”
Elisha was laughing. “So, he was called Phoenix because he was dark red?”
“Oh, he was the most adorable, squishy wee thing,” Mom said.
“Doesn’t sound quite as impressive as the mythological creature,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Mom drew herself into our circle. “But it turned out to be the perfect name for a perfect son.” Her hand squeezed my cheek, her teary eyes about to send me the same way, and being called the perfect son, yeah, I could go along with that.
Mom patted Elisha’s shoulder. “As for you, I still can’t accept this generous gift.”
“Think how well it would go with your green dress,” Elisha said. “And your new shoes.”
Mom’s eyes fluttered, the struggle with her inner pain still evident. “It’s a beautiful gesture, but it’s too much, sweetheart.”
“Mom,” I said, “Elisha’s parents are showing their appreciation. Weren’t you the one who said it’s rude to turn down a gift? Remember when Great-nan gave me that ugly sweater? I didn’t want it, but you made me take it—and forced me towearit!”
Mom chuckled, no doubt remembering the multi-colored monstrosity I had to wear on Christmas Day when I was ten.
“And you do love it,” Elisha pressed gently. Mom’s eyes confirmed that yes, she did.
“So you should accept it,” I said. “Just be thankful, Mom, it’s just a bag. And what if Elisha’s parents spent...what...a few hundred dollars on it? You deserve it.”
Elisha and Mom glanced at each other, my words seeming to amuse them both, their lips fighting to suppress smiles.
“Yes,” Elisha nodded, “it would mean so much to me and my parents if you’d accept it, Laura. And after all, like Phoenix says, it’s just a few dollars.”
There was a long, lingering look between the two of them, almost like stars were dancing between them, Mom on the verge of a full on ugly cry, barely holding it together.
“I love seeing the connection between you two,” she said, “it’s special. You’re both two very special people.” She drew back, wiping away her tears, taking hold of our hands. “But take it slow, do you hear me? No rush. Take it nice and slow!”
“Mommmm,” I groaned with an eye roll. “Really?”
But Elisha smiled, she winked at me and leaned her head onto my chest.
The perfect place—where she could hear my heart beating just for her.
