“Dad and I joked around, Mom, but we didn’t mind all that much,” I confessed. “I sorta like having a goofy mom. You’re unique,” I said. “Even possibly cool. I’d say ahead of the rest.”
“You’re still not getting a car,” she reminded me, giggling.
I loved my mother’s giggle. The feeling of love that flowed to my heart was incredible now that I could hear it again. What a sound she made. Pure, kind, sweet and loving.
“About that, Mom,” I began.
She adjusted the neckline of her blouse in preparation for another one of my begging sessions or another list of reasons why I just had to have a car before I went to college.
“I don’t need a car.”
“Well, you’re right about that, young man, but why the change of heart?” she inquired.
“I’ll be in Pullman for college in three months anyway. Classes are near the fraternity houses if Coop and I get in, so we can walk everywhere,” I said. “I need to save for tuitionanyways.”
“We have your college money, son. Dad and I set a nice sum aside and I have some of Dad’s life insurance money for the rest.”
I walked to my desk, pulling the calendar off the wall. “I have a summer job and will save as much as I can.” I leafed through the months until August came up. I stared at the small square box that read 30. My heart sank when I remembered the pain associated with the date. Mom would have no idea about either of course. She had no idea she and Cooper would share a death date in another universe. “I’ve got nearly three months to save. Prices are cheaper in Pullman too,” I added, having decided to go to Washington State with Cooper instead of the University of Washington with Jen.
“Does Jennifer know you’ve decided on WSU?” she asked. Even in this world I sensed she understood my girlfriend was headstrong and determined.
“She’ll deal with it,” I stated, hanging the calendar back on the wall and wondering what Sunday of the month we were actually in. “What’s the date, Mom?” I asked, turning to face her.
“You were the one looking at a calendar, silly,” she pointed out. “It’s the 13th. You have one week of school left and then it’s your dad’s and my twentieth anniversary actually.”
I moved closer to her. “Oh, shit,” I let slip. “Are you okay?” I asked, standing in front of her, a good six inches taller.
“When did you get so big, kiddo?” she asked, trying to dam the reservoir building in her eyes.
“I miss him too, Mom.”
She stared into my eyes for what seemed like an eternity. I wondered if she could see into my mind and knew I wasn’t of this world. But that wouldn’t be possible, would it? But then again, this was my mother.
“You’re different today, honey.” Maybe she had uncovered my secret. “I can’t seem to put a finger on what it is, but you’ve definitely changed,” she began before grabbing my chin and gently turning my head side to side. “It’s you and then it’s not you.” She shook her head as if to clear fog from her brain. “I’m losing my mind,” she added, laughing at herself and dropping her hand to her side. “You’re just a man, is all.”
I reached for her and held her hands. “Are you lonely, Mom?” I asked.
Once again she seemed unprepared for my question. “Michael, honey. Why would you ask such a thing?”
“It’s just us now. I guess I was wondering,” I said, lowering my voice. “I worry about you.”
“Then stop,” she replied, tapping my wrist with a hand she’d freed from my grip. “You’re a boy. These things are not for you to worry about.”
“I could stay home a year or two and work instead,” I offered. “Maybe give us both some more time to heal?”
“Fat chance, kiddo. Your father wouldn’t want that. I won’t allow it. Youaregoing to college, young man,” she declared. “I am a resilient woman anyway. Plus,” she began, her eyes lighting up. “I had my charts read by this new lady, a fabulous spiritualist, and she says my Moon is in a wonderful new phase. Full of health and wisdom.”
“Oh yeah? And what exactly is Miss Koo-Koo for Coco Puffs predicting?” I teased.
“Aww, so there he is,” she joked. “That’s the Michael I know and love. Her name is Druzella and she sees all.”
I couldn’t hide the smirk on my face. I was surprised I wasn’t shitting my pants instead, but things were probably going to get weirder, so why the fuck not roll with it? “I bet she does,” I agreed, hearing the name for what had to be the first time in this universe. Maybe not the first time in my former world, but here was the connection I’d wondered about. Maybe Druzella should check outmymoon phase. I sure as fuck had a phase for her.
Mom headed for the door.
“Hey, have you seen my phone by chance?” I asked after her, assuming I had one somewhere around here.
“Nice try, smarty pants,” she replied. “Come home at two in the morning again without permission and we’ll see if youeversee a cell phone.”
