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When I think she’s going to continue, but doesn’t, I take that as a sign that memory isn’t one she’s ready to openly share. I move past it quickly, trying to avoid triggering anything I shouldn’t.
“It’s a labor of love. Barbi is the green thumb. She loves orchids and trailing vines. I’m a water lover and created all the little streams and such. I’m also kind of a dreamer. I wanted to build a little fairy garden. It’s quirky, and odd, but once it gets darker, you’ll see little lights twinkling in the vegetation.”
“Impressive.” She spins in a circle, taking it all in. “It’s truly brilliant, and it hardly feels like we’re in the middle of the city.”
“That’s why I built it. I’m a small-town girl.”
“Really? Where are you from?”
“Kansas, if you can believe it. All around us for miles, when I was growing up, were cornfields and fields of snap peas. In a place like that, sometimes imagination is the only escape. I started with helping my dad with the corn mazes in the fall, then kind of branched out from there.”
“Well, you’ve definitely got an eye for creating magic.” She spins around in a circle. “I think I’ll be spending a lot of time out here. You’ll have to show me how to keep it all running when you leave.” Rosalie stops, and I sense her unease.
“I will teach you everything you need to know. Barbi will keep the plants alive. Carmen is totally useless. If you’re up to learning about how to keep water pumps pumping and the lights working, I’ll happily teach you how.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” She kind of chokes up.
“Rosalie, I’m happy you’re here. I’m thrilled you’re going to live here with Barbi and Carmen. I don’t think, or feel, for a minute that you’re replacing me. Change is inevitable, and I’ve dreamed of being a veterinarian since I was five. Please, don’t think your moving in has anything to do with me moving out.” I take her hands in mine. “You and Carmen are family, and now you’re our family too. We’re four women who are all sisters from different mothers, learning how to make our way in life.”
“Thanks. That means more to me than you know. I didn’t want you to think…”
“And I don’t.” I pull her in for a hug. “And that’s the last time we’re going to think about any of that foolishness.” To my delight, Rosalie lifts her arms and hugs me back. “You belong here as much as any of us, and although I’ll be away it’s not like I’m going that far. UC Davis is just a few hours away. When I need to escape campus, you bet I’ll come right back here.” I release her and take her hands in mine. “And I really can’t wait to get to know you like a sister.”
“I’d like that very much.” Her voice is whisper soft.
I hear what she says and what she doesn’t say. In my heart, I know she’s going to fit in just fine.
“Barbi, they’re out back.” Carmen’s voice pulls us out of our reverie. She calls out from the kitchen. “We’ve been looking for the two of you.”
“Sorry, I took Rosalie on a tour through the gym, our meditation room, and I wanted to show her our little slice of heaven in the city.”
“Did you hear the guys got called away?”
“I did.”
“Instead of going to the pier, I thought we could order pizza and hang out on the roof? I’ve got wine.” She holds a bottle of one of my favorite chardonnays.
“Wine sounds fine.” I put my hands up to my mouth and shout. “What time is it?”
“Wine Time!” Carmen shouts back.
“What time is it?” I call out again.
“Wine Time!” Carmen sings back.
“It’s one of our things.” I wink at Rosalie. “Wine Time is fun time. Time to kick back and do nothing but be present in the moment and enjoy each other’s company.”
Elbowing Rosalie in the ribs, including her in our little ritual, I wink and grab her hand.
“And now, for the pièce de résistance…”
“What’s that?” Rosalie’s expression lights with excitement.
“The third stop in our magical tour.” I point overhead. “To the roof!”
“To the roof!” Carmen calls out after me, then shifts her attention to Rosalie. “It’s not quite the same as climbing trees in the rainforest, but you’re going to love the view.”
With that, the three of us head into the kitchen, where we find Barbi coming up from the gym.
