AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I try to placate Mini. Her eagerness for my love life is refreshing, however, I’m not so sure her idea would work. “Min, you’re getting ahead of yourself. I left on bad terms; I never got to apologize let alone see them before I left. How can I make this work if they don’t want to see me?” The sadness is returning as I think of all the ways I pushed them away, not giving Harvey the chance he—we deserved.
“Leave it to me. You carry on with your rehab plan, while I work my magic. Oh boy, this is going to be fun. Operationget Evelyn her mancommences as of now. I love having you back!”
“I’m starting to wish I didn’t come home,” I say with a sly grin, that earns me a backhand to my bicep.
“In all seriousness, why the sudden career change?” There’s no judgment from Mini. Only admiration.
“During my earlier sessions at the FORT Center, I’d already given up. I had no one supporting me when I needed it the most. That was until Asher showed up.”
“He’s the little dog, right?” Mini asks.
“Right. So, Asher comes into my session, and he would only start barking when my body would collapse or something bad was about to happen to me. I didn’t have an ounce of fight in me until he showed me I can do anything I put my mind to; that I was strong enough to overcome not only my physical but my mental barriers too. I want to be like Asher. I want to show people through dance that they can overcome any barrier if they free their mind. To overcome defeat. Help them understand that they matter. I don’t want anyone to feel like I did at the start.
“In there I met this remarkable young woman. She’s only nineteen and lost both of her parents in a car accident. She’s currently paralyzed from the waist down, but she doesn’t give up. She continues to work hard every day. She’s only nineteen Mini, nineteen. Can you believe it?”
I’m struggling to keep my emotions in check. My eyes are past the point of glassing over; there’s a whole dam full of water that’s burst free.
“Babe, I think you need to find that course. I’ve never heard you speak so passionately about anything in the time I’ve known you. I am a little concerned about what happens if this thing with Harvey doesn’t work out, though. What then? Will you still pursue this choice?”
I stop to think about her concerns. Considering I’ve had this idea for the same amount of time I’ve been home, I can’t say I’ve thought past that. “I’m going to take it one step at a time. I can’t rush this, Min.” It’s all I can say to give her the reassurance she needs.
“Well then, I propose we organize a game plan.” Mini’s support now (even though I’ve had it all along) means more to me than any future performance.
“Let’s get started,” I agree.
ChapterEighteen
Harvey
I knock on my niece’s door, concerned for her wellbeing and that her sulky mood will set her in a tailspin with all that has happened since her parents died. “Josey, when are you going to come out of your room? It’s been two days and you’ve barely come out at meal times. I’m worried.” I have to raise my voice over the loud music she’s playing. I understand this is her way of dealing with her emotions, or blocking them out completely, but I have to get through to her at some point.
“Go away!” she demands.
“Not until you come out here to talk to me.” I wait, leaning against the wall, giving a little extra encouragement to come out. “I’ll take your door off its hinges as punishment if you don’t come out.” I’m being petty, but I don’t know what else to do. Harriet used to threaten that all the time when Josey was being bratty and not cooperating.
“Gah, fine. But I’m not talking abouther.” Evelyn’s departure has really affected her. I thought it was a good idea to stay as far away from her when she left to avoid further heartache.
I may have been wrong.
Josey is blaming me for everything.
How I’ve been able to deal with these mood swings prior to now is beyond me.
We make our way to the kitchen. Being in the living room brings back the rawness of the situation.
“Josey, we both knew she was going back to Santa Monica. This was going to happen no matter what the outcome was here. She’s very passionate about what she does, very much like you. I know handing overFurever Homes Guidance Shelterwas too much too soon.” The last part is muttered between my palms as I cover my face in frustration.
“Uncle Harvey, listen. I’m bummed okay. Like, she really upset me. But I’m angry at her for how she treated you.”
I sigh. How do I tell her that I overreacted and had a hand in pushing us apart as well? I basically told her the same thing she was trying to explain to me albeit much nastier.
“Josey, I need to tell you something. The other night when I went to see her after your call, I may have lashed out and ruined things. Eve was trying to let me down gently, whereas I was a jerk to her. I walked out on her and told her not to come and find us.”
If it were possible, I swear steam would be billowing from Josey’s ears right now. “How could you! I thought she didn’t want anything more to do with me. I thought we’d have a chance to say goodbye andyouruined that. Why?”
There’s only one answer.
“I was a coward.”
