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9
Elizabeth
“Hi, Mom.” I let out a nervous breath, hoping she can’t hear it through the phone.
“Lizzy? Is everything okay, sweetie?”
My father hollers hello in the background, the greeting nearly drowned out by the sound of dishes clattering and bacon sizzling.
“Hi, Daddy.” I chuckle. “Yeah, everything is good. I’m on my way to work and thought I’d call to check in and see how you’re doing.”
“Oh,” she says simply. Yet somehow, emotion and joy are thick in her voice.
I used to call my mother every morning on my way to work. We’d talk about how our week was going or what plans we had. She wasn’t only my mother, she was my friend.
After everything changed, I didn’t want to talk about what happened. But I didn’t want to talk about my day as if nothing had happened at all either. So, I stopped calling and answering her calls. She never gave up trying, though.
“Well…I’m good, dear. How are you?”
“I’m pretty good.” It’s the first time in a long time I’ve been able to say that and actually mean it. I woke up this morning feeling lighter than I have in years. Saying goodbye to Xander yesterday was very therapeutic for me. “Sean even had a good drop-off at preschool.”
“That’s wonderful. I told you he just needed some time to adjust.” Her warm tone brings a clear image of her wide smile to my mind.
My parents have always been amazing, supportive, and understanding. All they ever wanted was for me and Cat to be happy, well-rounded people. They were always present in every aspect of our lives while still allowing us room to spread our wings. I owe them both so much.
“How’s Maddison getting along in third grade?”
Holding my breath, I take a moment to decide whether I should tell her about Maddison going to see a counselor. But I don’t want to dwell on the negative right now. “You know Maddie, she’s smart as a whip and loves school.”
“Yes, she gets that from her momma.”
“I don’t know about that.” I chuckle. “So, what about you and Daddy? Anything new or exciting?”
“Well, it’s football season, so I haven’t seen much of your father,” she answers, laughing as my father shouts, “You’ve always been jealous of my first love!”
My mother shoos him away, and I smile so wide it hurts my face.
“Nothing much new with me, though,” she says. “I’ve almost saved up enough money from my Bunco winnings to buy that KitchenAid blender I want. Maybe you could come with me to pick one out,” she offers, hope clear in her voice.
“I would really like that.”
Talking with her this morning feels good. I love my parents and I’ve missed them. It’s time to mend our relationship.
“Maddie, it’s time your mother and I told you the truth.”
“The twoof about what, Daddy?” Maddison asks, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Xander turns to smile at me, winking as he hoists her up onto his shoulders. We make our way closer to the exhibit, pushing our way through the crowd.
“Well, you know how Mommy and Daddy call you their little monkey all the time?” he says.
“Yeah…”
“Do you know why we call you that?”
“Mommy says it’s ‘cause I’m wild.”
“That’s partially right.” Xander chuckles and I shake my head, unable to keep the telling smile off my face. “Do you see those monkeys over there, high up in the trees?”
