Chapter 8
December
Ashley
Two weeks before their flight to London, Ashley packed most of her new clothes, books, and a few personal items, including her precious teal bicycle, and shipped them off to Oxford.
She had trouble limiting the amount she was bringing with her.
It wasn’t easy to leave things behind. That’s when it really sank in.
She was moving to another country on another continent, and she was going to look for her birth mother. It was exciting, but daunting.
Sugar Babe must have sensed Ashley’s anxiety. The pooch jumped on Ashley’s bed and gave Ashley her paw.
“Oh, sweetie, I am going to miss you.” Tears rolled down Ashley’s face.
For the first time, she was having second thoughts.
“Babe, do you think I’m doing the right thing?
” she addressed her pup and nuzzled the dog’s neck.
Sugar Babe nuzzled Ashley back as if to say, “Everything is going to be alright,” which really brought on the waterworks.
Ashley couldn’t remember the last time she cried this hard, not even when she discovered she had been adopted.
Jessica was passing Ashley’s bedroom when she heard the soft sobs and stopped at Ashley’s door. “Honey, are you alright?” She wiggled between her daughter and Sugar Babe.
Ashley began to hiccup. “Yes. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
Jessica wrapped her arms around her daughter. “It’s going to be great. And you can come home anytime you like. This is not a life sentence. It’s simply another adventure. Another chapter in your life.”
Ashley rested her head on her mother’s shoulder. “Promise to visit?”
“Absolutely. I’m thinking about retiring. Again.”
Ashley sat up straight. “Really? But you worked so hard to become a school principal.”
“I know, dear, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
When I was teaching, I had to deal with students and parents, and occasionally the administration.
Now I have to deal with students, parents, teachers, and the board of education.
” Jessica sighed. “If I’ve learned one thing it’s that life is a series of adjustments, and as long as we can get up in the morning and put our pants on, there are always opportunities to make changes in our life. ” She gave Ashley a side-hug.
“How did you get so wise?” Ashley asked sweetly.
“I paid attention.” Jessica smiled. “Awareness is one of the best tools you can use. I’m not saying you have to act on every little thing, but be aware of your surroundings, the people you meet, the news you consume. Just be aware. Self-aware as well.”
“Right. Not to be confused with self-involvement,” Ashley said and nodded in agreement.
“Very true. Almost everyone is glued to their phone. People have no idea what is happening around them. They step out into the street without paying attention.” Jessica went on. “There are many things that are in plain sight but we’re not …”
Ashley interrupted with the words “Paying attention.”
Jessica smiled as Ashley continued. “I’ve always been engrossed in my studies. I suppose I may have missed a lot of cues.”
“Even the most attentive can be distracted. I am not suggesting people be on high alert, although that might be a sound idea, especially when embarking on a new adventure. Simply keep the old adage in mind: ‘Stop. Look. Listen.’ It’s always good advice.”
“Yes, it is. I shall put that in my calendar so every day that phrase will be a reminder,” Ashley promised.
“You are brilliant, my dear. I have no doubt you shall shine.” Jessica brushed back Ashley’s hair that was sticking to her tears. “And I really love your new ’do. It’s quite sophisticated.”
“Thank you. I hope my new wardrobe will suffice as well.”
“You will be smashing. And probably one of the most stylish in your college.”
Ashley responded, “Back in September, when I visited, I noticed how drab everyone looked. I was told it is more ‘business casual’ at my level. I hope no one is offended that I have a navy blue, a burgundy, and a camel-colored pantsuit.”
“I believe you are overthinking this.” Jessica patted Ashley’s thigh. “Come. Let’s go grab dinner.”
Ashley decided to be a bit sassy. “Shall we invite Noah?”
Jessica gave her a sideways look. “Meaning?”
“Meaning he’s nice, and for all intents and purposes, appears to be smitten with you.”
Jessica chuckled. “I don’t know about that, dear, but we do enjoy each other’s company.”
“Then it’s settled. In fact, I shall invite him.” She held out her hand for her mother to give over her phone. Jessica reached into her pocket and passed it on to Ashley.
Ashley was taken aback when Noah answered with, “Hello, my beautiful friend. Lovely to hear from you.” Not that Jessica wasn’t beautiful. Ashley simply wasn’t expecting a reaction like that. In all honesty, she really didn’t know what to expect. Perhaps a simple hello.
“Noah. Ashley here,” she said brightly.
“Oh, Ashley. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“My mother and I were discussing dinner plans, and I suggested we invite you. We will be leaving for our trip in a little over a week and I wanted to have a farewell dinner before I hopped across the pond.” Ashley feigned an English accent.
“Sounds delightful. What do you have in mind?” Noah asked.
“I am in the mood for a juicy steak,” Ashley said easily. “Scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach.”
Noah chuckled. “Sounds like a gastronomical ingestion of deliciousness. I know just the place. Shall I pick you up?”
“That would be excellent. Do you have a time in mind?”
“Whatever you two lovelies desire.”
Ashley turned to her mother. “Time?”
“Six?”
Ashley conveyed the information to Noah.
“Splendid. See you shortly,” he said and ended the call.
Ashley squinted at her mother. “Are you sure you are not having a romantic relationship with the handsome and charming Noah?”
Jessica felt her face turn red. “Not yet.” She winked and grinned.
“Oh, Mama!” Ashley was smiling her beautiful smile once again.
The next two weeks flew by. Ashley’s suitcase was packed and sitting by the front door.
Her nerves were a bit jangled, but she kept her mother’s sage words in mind.
All of them. From paying attention to it being a new adventure.
Still, she was a bit shaky. She heard the horn of the town car beep lightly.
Ashley picked up Sugar Babe and gave her a big hug and kissed her on the head.
“We’re going to be leaving now, but Mommy will come back in a few weeks. You take care of her, okay?” Ashley whispered.
The neighbor who was going to doggie-sit was standing on the front porch when Jessica wheeled her suitcase out.
Ashley followed slowly. Her legs felt like they were lodged in cement.
The driver took Jessica’s luggage and put it in the trunk of the car while Ashley stood frozen in the doorway.
Jessica rolled Ashley’s bag outside and handed it off to the driver.
She turned and took Ashley gently by the elbow.
“Come on, my sweet. Time for a new adventure!”
Ashley was almost zombie-like as her mother guided her to the rear of the car. Once again, tears began to roll down Ashley’s face. It was bittersweet as she watched the house disappear from the rear window of the vehicle.
Emily
Emily observed the punts gliding along the river below.
The flat-bottom boats were designed for shallow water, and the punters used poles to propel the small crafts, much like the gondoliers in Venice.
She had been up to her eyeballs in research, which she loved, but knew she had to take a much-needed break.
Give her brain a rest, so to speak. She hadn’t forgotten about her long-lost twin.
It was always in the back of her mind. The question was how and when could she go on a quest to find her?
Jeopardize her fellowship? Certainly not.
Emily had already spent too many hours searching social media sights, then it dawned on her that she should take one of those DNA tests.
Perhaps that would bring her closer to her sister.
The way most of the sites work is that once they analyze your DNA they will send you names of people who, in all probability, are related to you.
There were many instances where people found each other after decades, with some resulting in unlikely, and unwanted outcomes.
Emily recalled that her friend Georgia had decided to send in her DNA and was delighted when she discovered she was related to someone who lived just a town away.
They began to communicate and shared photos.
Georgia was stunned by the resemblance. After a few emails, they decided to meet and compare notes.
During the course of their meeting, Georgia was surprised to discover her long-lost relative had been adopted.
After a lengthy conversation with several twists and turns, they came to the staggering conclusion that Georgia’s father had been unfaithful to her mother, with someone who lived in the neighborhood.
Now, Georgia was face-to-face with a half sister and had to acknowledge the idea that her father was a scoundrel.
The results triggered two very ugly divorces.
Emily was convinced something like that wasn’t terribly common, and believed she would have a much better outcome, if any.
Emily knew her family secret had finally been exposed and decided she had nothing to lose.
She knew that unless her twin also checked for her DNA, then nothing would come of it.
Emily took the leap of faith, ordered a DNA kit, and would hope for the best. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
She wasn’t sure if she should tell her mother but ultimately decided to wait for the results. No need to stir the pot.
A week later, the kit arrived. She spit into the tube, sealed the package, and brought it to the post office. She was satisfied that she had taken this measure regardless of the outcome. She immediately felt lighter, brighter, knowing she had done something to further her quest.