Page 60 of Another Love, Another Time
Baxter: Is your mom still picking you up?
River: Yes I texted her when I landed and she said she was pulling up. I’ll give you a call when I get settled tonight.
Baxter: (thumbs up emoji)
I find my mom and Aunt Connie waiting in baggage claims, and she wraps me up in a big hug. When Mom releases me, I’m immediately in Aunt Connie’s arms. “Missed you, girlie,” Aunt Connie says.
“Missed you too,” I respond, fighting back tears. It’s been five years since I stepped foot in this state. I pull back. “Are you ready?” I just want to get out of here and settle in somewhere.
They look at each other. My mom asks, “Do you have anything else?”
“No. Everything I own is on my back and right here.” I nod to my carry-on.
“Okay,” my mom says. “Uncle Eddie is holding our parking spot.”
“I didn’t know you were going to bring everybody,” I chastise.
“They wanted to come; they haven’t seen you in a while,” she responds sheepishly.
“I can’t wait to have the family back together,” Aunt Connie pipes up.
I sigh. “I’m not ready to see everyone. I’ll take a rain check.”
Aunt Connie squeezes my shoulder. “Just let me know when you feel up to it, especially when you get everything situated.”
We walk out to the pick-up and drop-off area where Uncle Eddie is talking to a security guard. He glances around. When he spots us, his eyes light up, and he starts waving with a big, goofy grin.
I feel a tinge of sadness. I miss my dad, and at one time, the guy I’m smiling back at was like a second dad to me. That all changed the night of prom. Aunt Connie and Uncle Eddie tried to continue being in my life, coming to visit with my mom whenever I was in the States. I just needed to get away from everything and everyone.
Uncle Eddie rounds the back of the vehicle and grabs my carry-on. He tries to grab my backpack, and I tighten my grip out of habit.
“This one stays with me,” I blurt.
He steps back with his hands up and grins. “Okay, then, River girl.” Before I can go anywhere, I’m bundled up in a hug and then released just as quickly. “Let’s hop in before we get a ticket.”
I follow him to the driver’s side. He opens my door for me while I slide into the backseat. Aunt Connie and my mom buckle in, and then we drive to the place I’ll be calling home.
~~
I feel the car come to a stop and hear my mom’s voice announce softly, “Honey, we’re home. I have your room set up. Eddie’s going to grab your bag and take it to your room.”
I stretch my limbs and realize that I’ve been drooling. Great. I must have fallen asleep.
They all wanted to ask me questions. I used the excuse of jet lag and went to sleep. I knew he would come up in conversation, and I was not ready for that. I know they only did it because they care, but I’m not ready to discuss him or why I have chosen not to be in contact with him in the last five years.
I’ve seen him twice in the last five years. The first time, I wasn’t ready. The second time, I was devastated. I have avoided him at all costs after that.
I shake my head to clear the fog and get out of the vehicle. It’s early summer, so it’s nice out. I’m still worn out. I wasn’t lying earlier when I told them I was jetlagged. Thank goodness I flew in sweatpants.
I walk like a sloth into the unfamiliar house with my backpack. “Hey, honey, you want something to drink?” my mom asks.
I shake my head and turn to Aunt Connie and Uncle Eddie. “Thanks, guys, for coming with Mom to pick me up. I really appreciate it. I’m sorry to flake out on you early, but I’m really tired. I think I’m going to unpack my stuff, take a shower, and go to bed.”
Aunt Connie flings her arms open wide and brings me in for a hug. “It’s our pleasure. We’re just glad you’re home and safe, honey.” She pulls back and looks me straight in the eyes. “No more running. We missed you. Do you understand?
“I do. I missed you all, too.” I look down at the ground and then back up at her. “No more running. That’s why I’m here.”
She nods. “Okay. Go settle in. Get some sleep. We’ll see you sometime this week. Love you.”
