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I SAW MY MOTHERstanding on the sidewalk when I exited the somewhat deserted airport. She smiled, and opened her arms, welcoming me, shielding me, holding me. Her embrace gave me a much needed reprieve, and when I looked up at her, I noticed her eyes had glossed over.
“Hi, Mom.”
“I’m so happy to see you, sweetheart. I’ve really missed you.”
I gave her a half smile in an attempt to look better than I felt. “Me too.”
My Mother returned my smile, and I noticed how she’d aged. She was still beautiful, but her features now showed that she’d weathered a few storms. In my eyes, she was more beautiful now than she had ever been because I could see it – the happiness in her eyes. Her dark hair was streaked with light lines of grey, and she’s also gained some weight. She looked healthy.
My heart swelled.
“You must be tired,” she said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go home.”
“Thank you for fetching me, Mom. I appreciate it.”
My mother waved me off. “It’s nothing. I would have been upset if you’d taken a cab.”
I laughed. “I know. Aunt Jenna has mentioned that you have quite the temper these days.”
My Mother snorted. Actually snorted. “I learned from the best. Your Aunt.”
We stopped in front of a small black car, and my Mother tossed my bag into the backseat.
“I’m really glad I came,” I told her.
“Me too, sweetheart. I’m so excited for you to meet Byron, and your Aunt has been bitching about having you come sooner all week.”
I gasped. “Did you just curse?”
“Whoops,” she laughed, folding her long body into the driver’s seat. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I like the new you.”
“So do I.”
The drive from Charlotte to Matthews was short, but just long enough for us to catch up. I avoided talking about Caleb, and was grateful when my Mother seemed to know I wasn’t ready to bring him up. I would have to talk to her eventually, I knew that, but for the time being I preferred hearing about my Mother, and the life she’d made for herself.
WE SPENT THE morning helping my Aunt Jenna in her flower shop. It was a beautiful sunny day with blue skies and ninety-nine degrees outside, and as much as I loved being in the city, there was something to be said for fresh air and friendly people. People who seemed to have taken quite the liking to my Mother.
It was the happiest I’d ever seen her.
It was after lunch when Aaliyah called so I stepped outside to answer. I was afraid to talk in front of my Mother in case she started questions.
“What you got for me?” I asked.
“I found you a place,” replied Aaliyah. “It’s not far from the office, and within your price range.”
“That was fast.”
“I had some help.” She didn’t elaborate. “It’s nicer than my place, and I think you’ll like it.”
When I didn’t give her an answer immediately, she asked, “Do you need some time to think about it?”
“It’s just…” I was scared. But I didn’t want to verbalize it. “Can I let you know this afternoon?”
“Sure, take your time.”
I didn’t need time. Not exactly. I think I was waiting for a sign.
