Chapter 20 Jane #2
That’s easy enough to say, but I’m still not convinced she’s not being influenced by our parents…or Danny’s. She’s so young. She has her entire life to make these kinds of choices. “Okay, but…what’s the rush?”
She leans back, folding her hands on the table.
“Did you know Mom and Dad practically shipped me off to that one-year Christian college? I didn’t have a choice.
They wanted me to find a husband there, but I didn’t.
They were disappointed I came home with a certificate of completion instead of a ring by spring.
” She says the stereotype ruefully, rolling her eyes.
“But I came back and started going to U-dub Tacoma because I didn’t know what else to do with myself.
Danny was…in one of my electives. I wasn’t even excited to see him, but he surprised me.
” She smiles down at her hand, where a modest ring sits.
Finally, she looks back up at me. “He decided against Bible college to get a business degree, and I was still figuring out what I want to major in, so I guess we were both in this holding pattern when we found each other. That class was a Psychology class, and we discovered a shared interest in our study group…and that eventually evolved into something more.”
“That sounds nice,” I say.
She nods. “It was. After the class, I started seeing a therapist—it’s someone the school counseling center connected me with, so Mom and Dad don’t know about it—but I’m getting really interested in learning about religious trauma. Because I realized I have it.”
“You’re not alone,” I say, shifting in my seat. “And therapy is great. I’m really proud of you for going.”
“Thank you,” she says. “Danny is the first person from church who actually sees me. He knows I’m questioning things, and he’s not trying to discourage that. Heck, he’s been really unhappy with how his dad handles things, like pretending the real issues with the church don’t exist.”
“Oh,” I say. “I’m just surprised.” I was so wrapped up in being as far away from my family as possible that I never considered Nora was anything like me. Now I’m realizing we have more in common than I ever thought.
I still don’t love that she’s getting married so young—I think young couples in the church make rash decisions because of the purity culture they’re raised in—but I understand my sister a little better. And she’s right—she seems to be going into this with her eyes open.
“Just because I didn’t run away to LA doesn’t mean I’m the perfect church girl.
But after the wedding, Danny and I will have more freedom to figure things out together.
He’s set to come into a little money once he gets married, so we’re not going to be completely broke, and we’re just going to take things one day at a time. ”
“That sounds really sensible. Just…Mom made it sound like you’re going to be the next pastors of The Shore.”
Nora smirks. “Oh, that worship pastor thing? That’s all Mike.
He still hasn’t asked Danny if that’s what he wants to do, and we’re just playing along until the wedding.
Neither of us has any interest in being in ministry.
We’re actually thinking of moving out to Spokane or Pullman to finish our degrees and figure life out. ”
There are good state schools near both of those cities, so it makes a lot of sense. But still, I have to check that she’s really okay.
“And you’re sure this is what you want?”
“I’m really sure,” she says.
“Okay, but…if you change your mind, you can call me. Any time. I will literally come get you and bring you down here to LA myself, and I don’t care if I have to leave in the middle of a show or the dang RECORD awards.”
Nora laughs. “Don’t you dare! I’m fine, I promise. But if it will make you feel better, I also promise to call you if that ever changes.”
“Okay,” I say. “That works for me.”
And then she waggles her perfect eyebrows. “But how can I move in with you if you’re shacking up with your pretty girlfriend? I don’t want to cramp your style.”
Now I’m the one who rolls her eyes. “We’re not living together. We literally just started dating.”
She cocks her head. “Isn’t there a joke about women who love women and U-Hauls?”
I gape at her, more stunned by this than any of the other revelations from the past few minutes. “How do you know about U-Hauling?”
Nora cackles. “I read romance novels! Not just the ones about straight people.”
I shake my head, in awe of my little sister. I don’t know how I missed that she’s this full person who is thinking for herself and not letting our parents dictate her entire life. Gosh, she even has them convinced she’s doing what they want her to do.
It’s kind of masterful, if I can admit that to myself. I’ve never been able to handle my parents this way. I just gave up and left the first second I could.
I lower my voice. “I’m really glad we had a chance to talk.”
“Me too,” Nora says. “Because I love you, and I think you’re amazing. You’ve accomplished so many things, and now you’re finding real happiness too. I could not be prouder to be your sister.”
I pat her hand, then release it as Mom comes around the corner. “I’m proud to be your sister too.”