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“Feel free to take what you need this weekend. I’m packing it up and sending it to Krista on Monday. Good riddance!”
“Wow, you are so healthy,” Dale said.
“That’s what Flynn said. It’s sad I have to leave the place I was born to find peace, but oh well.”
“Did you tell the parental units yet?” Brian asked.
“No. I’d better head over there. Margo and Rocko know Flynn and I were planning on going to Lebanon together. I’m not sure how they’ll feel about me going ahead on my own.”
“Do you want a coffee?”
“Nah. I just remembered I work tonight,” I answered. “I’ll tell Skippy that my days at the car wash are numbered.”
The ride to my parents’ house overwhelmed me. The feeling had probably always been there, but because there was an end in sight, I noticed how powerful it was that morning. I was going to revisit the house where my pain had originated. I pulled over to the side of the street and shed tears. I hadn’t felt this sadness in a while. The stretch of normalcy had been longer than ever before. I had Flynn to thank for that. His accident, the trip, his love. I got out my phone and told him that, thanking him.
The aunts were at the house when I pulled into the driveway. My aunts loved me. They didn’t approve of most of my decisions in life, but that was okay. Their behavior was usual for large ethnic families, I had discovered. My aunts had opinions, and they were ready to share them with whoever would listen.
By the time I got out of my car, the entire family was huddled at the door. Margo peeked around my mother, a huge smile on her face.
“I’m glad you came by,” she called. “I’m getting ready to tell the family some news.”
My heart did a little tachycardic thump. I knew before she told me that Margo was pregnant. I put my hands together and got up on my toes, making her laugh.
“I know what it is!” I called back.
“Don’t spoil it, mind reader,” she replied, laughing.
The afternoon turned into a joyous time. She had ultrasound pictures of twin babies. I can admit now that hurt. I’m not sure why. I never considered that I would have twins. But I doubted Margo’s babies would suffer what Lucy and I had. Especially Lucy.
I didn’t need to share my news after all. It wasn’t important because nothing was firm yet. Margo came to me in a moment of privacy.
“I wish you were going to be here for this.”
“I’ll come back,” I said. “I can’t wait to buy baby clothes now.”
“Oh, man! That’s hysterical. Don’t go haywire.”
“I won’t,” I promised.
“Where’s Flynn?”
“He’s talking to his partner about working out his contract and leaving. I didn’t want to be around.”
“No, don’t blame you. Do you have a date yet?”
“I came to tell the folks but didn’t want to rain on your parade. Krista asked me to come as soon as possible. When I get my work permit and get everything arranged, I’m going alone. Flynn will meet up with me.”
She grabbed my arm. “Sister, no way. I don’t want to lose another sibling.”
“You won’t. I’ll be careful. I already know what to avoid. I’ll be fine. Now that I have the opportunity, I can’t bear to wait around.”
“I know it’s a good thing. Tell Rocko. I can’t keep news like that a secret.”
“I will. I need to tell them all, but I’ll wait.”
“Don’t wait. I’m already sick of their advice.”
We laughed conspiratorially.
