“Darlin’, I think you just earned yourself some job security. Now, since you said we needed to talk during our sessions, you’ve got my old mind thinking. You said you write to your dad every week. Most gals I know just call or text everyone these days. Where is he that you can’t do that?”
“He’s in prison like your son. Only he doesn’t have a release date coming up.”
“How long does he have to go?”
“He has a life sentence. He most likely will never get out.”
I can see the wheels turning in his head. He looks at me.
“You said he’s been in around ten years and you grew up riding on the back of his Harley.”
Nodding at him, I wait for him to continue.
“Darlin’, was your dad in a club?”
I nod again.
“What’s his name? Which club?”
“His name is Mike ‘Mallet’ Evensen and his club was the Sangre Devils.”
I see Jonah’s eyes get wide and his expression tells me he knows who my dad is.
“I didn’t know he was in an MC till about four weeks before he turned himself in. He never showed me that part of his life. He said that kept me safe from his enemies. That and the fact that my mom didn’t put his name on my birth certificate. I never got to live with him growing up. My parents weren’t ever really a couple, so I only got to see him when my mom would decide to let him. Do you know him? Does this change your impression of me and my opportunity to work with you?”
“No, I don’t know him, but I know of him and his club. We never had interactions, but everyone knows who they are. We aren’t on their radar as we aren’t into the same… business ventures that they are. And, no, this changes nothing of my opinion of you, my dear. I’ve found it's always better to judge a person on themselves and not their family.”
“That’s good because my mother could drive you to drink with one conversation. Now, how about we get to writing so when we’re done, you can give me your opinion of my raspberry lemon loaf cake.”
“You do know the way to a man’s heart, darlin’. Alright, I’m ready to write to my Rory. How’s about this? When you’re here and we’re writing you can also write my boy? He could use some more pen pals.”
“Sure, I can always use more friends. I can mail them together if you want?”
Linnea walks in as I finish handing Jonah the pen with the special grip on it so I can watch him for a few minutes to see how it goes. She grabs the chair next to me and proceeds to clean and disinfect my face. She hands me an ice pack.
“Put this on your face, child, while you write my boy. I know he’d love to get a letter from you.”
Watching Jonah seeming to have no trouble at the moment grabbing the pen, I start my letter to this unknown brother.
Dear Rory,
You’re probably wondering who the hell I am writing to you. I’m your Pa’s respite therapist. I agreed to write to you as I work with him to get his fine motor skills back. If all my patients were as motivated as he is, my job would be a breeze.
First off, I should probably apologize in advance as I am known to wander in my writing and kind of write how I talk. If you decide you aren’t interested in my letters, feel free to let me know. I know I’m an acquired taste. Ha, yes, my humor does tend to be a bit self-deprecating a lot of the time.
So, I just realized I haven’t even introduced myself to you. Hi! I’m Jane and I’m 32. I’ve got a bulldog named Tyger and he’s the best cuddler. I have an addiction to hoodies and throw blankets, and I love to bake. I brought your pa some of my latest creations and we’ll see what he thinks.
I hear you’re getting ready to get out soon. You must be so excited! What’s the first thing you want to do or eat? I can’t imagine not being able to have what I want to eat, but then again, there’s a reason I’m a big gal. I always have been but what can I say? I like to eat and I enjoy GOOD food.
So far I’ve met your brothers, Ry, Jon, and Juan. I don’t think I gave the impression to Jon that I could do my job. I’m not short but I think just about anyone would be shorter than your pa. I haven’t talked to Juan much yet, but your brother, Ry, is a hoot. He seems to know what to say to make a person smile even when having the most Monday day ever.
So what are you picturing as the perfect evening once you’re out? Are you a person who likes to go to bars, party, stay at home, or hang out with friends or family? I’m usually found at home, curled up with my dog, a good book (I read a lot!) and a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. I do love spending time with my friends, but I’ve got a pretty small circle that most often includes just my two besties. But I’m always open to new friends! In terms of family, I have to admit, I am very jealous of yours. I pretty much just have my brother Logan and my dad, though my dad is serving a much longer sentence than you. My mom is around but we have what would be considered a complicated relationship on a good day. Wow, I realize I’ve shared more with you in this letter than I have with a lot of people. Remember, if you don’t want any more letters from me, it won’t hurt my feelings. I know I can be a bit much for some people.
Well, it looks like your pa is finishing his letter so it’s time for me to get back to work. Write back if you want.
Awkwardly,
Jane.
