47. Chapter 47
I decide to visit my house in Virginia the following weekend. It’s time to face my past. The house is the last thing I haven’t dealt with, and I want to be set free. Dad's flying us up Friday night, and we’ll return on Sunday evening.
I’m nervous as we file into the small plane after work, but my family is with me and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I talked to Sarah last night about it, and she’s on standby if I need her.
The flight is a little longer than normal in the small plane, but the guys keep me occupied during it, and Bay's in the front with Dad, keeping him company. We have a delicious dinner prepared by the Finn mechanic’s wife on the way.
I rented a huge SUV to fit us all, and after picking it up, Dad drives us to the hotel to check in, then I call Sue to tell her we landed safely. Alex booked an enormous suite for us on the top floor, with enough beds for everyone. After watching a movie, we hit the hay.
I’m sharing a room with Bay tonight. After tossing and turning for an hour, I’m about to give up when Bay gets out of bed and sits on the side of mine. “Whatever happens, you are going to be okay, Summer,” he says, grabbing my hand.
“I know, but that fact doesn’t get rid of my nerves.”
“I talked to each of the guys over the past week, and they all accepted me into the fold.”
Well, that’s certainly a distraction. “Okay good. That makes me happy.”
Bay flips down the covers and gets into the bed beside me.
“Turn onto your side.” I do as I’m told as he wraps me in his arms from behind.
This is unexpected, but so welcome. I truly never thought we would be together in this way, although I never stopped wishing for it.
Bay bends his arm under my head to run his fingers up and down my arm.
I’m in a cocoon of ocean with a hint of grease.
My body finally settles, and I drift off to sleep.
The next morning we eat breakfast at the diner and then swing by the care facility.
We must look like a sight, all entering at once.
I’m in front, holding hands with Jake, and he’s looking around curiously.
Mal isn’t at the desk, so I ring the bell.
I hear her before I see her. “Welcome. Can I help you?”
The guys part until Jake and I are visible. “Hi Mal,” I wave.
She stops in her tracks, hand going over her heart. “Oh, my word. Jake. It’s really you.” Tears are glistening in her eyes as I step forward to hug her and then introduce Jake. “Jake, this is your nurse, Mal.”
Jake smiles and opens his arms. Mal nearly collapses into him, hugging him tight. “I can’t believe it. Summer showed me pictures, of course, but to have you standin’ here. It’s a miracle.” Stepping back, she wipes her eyes with a tissue from her pocket.
Zander steps up for his hug as she composes herself. “Good to see you, Mal.”
“You too, Zander.” She smiles up at him before quickly returning her gaze to Jake.
“There is something familiar about your voice, Mal,” Jake comments. I squeeze his hand as Dad introduces everyone else.
“So many handsome fellas, Sugar,” Mal fans her face. Laughing, I tell her we’re meeting Sue at my house to go through Mom and Lily bee’s things.
“Oh, I’m so proud of you, Sugar. Sue stopped by on Tuesday and showed me your graduation pictures.” We chat for about a half hour before leaving to meet Sue, with Jake and I both getting another hug, and Jake thanking her for taking such good care of him. Mal is all smiles by the time we leave.
Now, the hard part. I have Seb on my right and Jake on my left, gripping my hands as Dad drives us to the house.
My eyes well up when he pulls into the driveway. The house looks the same as I remember. Someone has cut the grass and pruned the shrubs, and there’s even two planters out front with pink blossoms. I’m shaking when we gather in the driveway.
Sue arrives, and I rush over for a hug as soon as she opens her door. “I’m proud of you for doing this, sweetheart.”
“Thanks.” I give her the best smile I can. I reintroduce her to Jake and then turn towards the house.
“Take your time, darling,” Dad tells me.
Nodding, I take a deep breath and walk slowly towards the front door across the dewy grass. Part of me wants to run inside to get it over with, but the bigger part of me wants to take in every detail in case I’ve forgotten anything. You can do this Summer. One moment at a time.
“Excuse me!” someone yells nearby. Looking around, I can’t see anyone over all the tall guys around me. “This is private property.”
I see Dad step through the wall of muscles. “Belinda, it’s Zander. How are you?”
Oh. Tapping Nick’s shoulder, he moves so I can see. Belinda looks good. She has gardening gloves on and a wide brimmed hat protecting her face from the sun. “Belinda,” I call, walking over to her and Dad.
“Summer!” Her face breaks into a smile when she sees me. “My, you are a welcome sight. How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks. It’s time to have a look at the house. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Keeping busy. That’s quite a crowd you have with you.” Dad introduces the guys for me. “Do you have your key? I can get you mine.”
“I have mine. I’m guessing those pots of flowers are your doing?”
“They are. The backyard has grass where your vegetable gardens were, but I tried to keep the rest healthy.”
Stepping closer, I pull her into a hug. She has done so much all alone in memory of our family. It must have been really hard to lose her best friend and then take care of the house all these years. “Thank you, and I’m sorry I haven’t stayed in touch.”
“No apologies, Summer. You had to heal. I received your Christmas card, and you apologized in there. Now, do you need anything?”
“No. I know I’m not selling the house, but I have decided anything past that.”
“Then go on. It should be as you left it, except there isn’t any food or laundry,” she smiles, her eyes not hiding the sadness within.
Nodding in return, I turn and walk back across the driveway as Jake falls into step beside me. I pull my key out of my bag and, with a shaky breath, unlock the front door.
The air is a little stale, but not bad. I can’t smell Mom’s perfume or the familiar scents that used to envelop these walls.
I’m sure Belinda opens the windows often.
Interlacing my fingers with Jake's, I walk into the living room. It’s like a time capsule.
Running my fingers over the back of the couch, I pick up the throw blanket we used to cuddle up in.
Sadly, there’re no smells left after all this time.
We walk past the dining room and into the kitchen.
It’s a weird combination of eerie and comfortable.
Heading back to the front of the house, we climb the stairs, while the guys, Sue, and Dad wander around, keeping quiet.
I stop in my room first, and everything is exactly where I left it that morning, except for my pajamas on the bed.
I step over to my desk, running my fingers over my books and papers. This is surreal.
Jake follows me into Lily bee’s room next. The tears overflow when I see her stuffed animals and toys. Jake and I hug each other as we silently cry. We step back into the hall when the shock has worn off.
Mom’s room is last. We enter, and I step over to her dresser and pick up her perfume bottle.
Breathing in the familiar scent has more tears leaking, but I’m overjoyed to smell her again.
Her closet is open, and I run my fingers over her many clothes, then pick up some of the picture frames she has out. They’re all of us and a few of grandma.
Opening the back door, we step into the yard.
The trees, shrubs, and plants are so much bigger now.
You can’t tell there was ever a vegetable garden here, and Belinda did well with the flower gardens.
Everything looks healthy. Jake and I walk around the yard hand in hand, absorbing the changes and familiarity.
When we turn back towards the house, everyone else is mingling around on the grass, and an idea pops into my head.
“What do you think about renting the house to a family in need? If Belinda's willing, she could screen applicants and set the rent based on their income. I’d want a good family who would take care of the house and love it like we did.”
“That’s a brilliant idea, Sum,” Jake smiles at me. “Vanessa and Lily would approve.”
I feel good about the idea. When we get back to the house, I tell them what I want to do, and everyone agrees with me. “What about your belongings, darling?” Dad asks.
“Well, we could box up the things I want to take home and make a donation pile. Even leave the furniture for whoever moves in.”
“I would be happy to assist Belinda in finding a family,” Sue offers.
“Let’s do it. Dad, Sue, and Jake, can you join me in telling Belinda? Guys, can you get boxes and packing supplies?”
We split up after Sue gives the guys directions to the store, and Dad, Sue, and Jake follow me to Belinda’s house.
She’s in the backyard weeding, so I knock on her gate and then enter.
Telling her my idea, she’s happy to find a family with Sue.
I’m planning on keeping the property management company for any issues with the house.
Belinda tells me they repaired the dripping faucet in the kitchen and the valve for the hose in the backyard.
She requests to be left on as a contact, which makes things easier for me.