CHAPTER 3 #2
My pulse quickens. This is so exciting! But then the reality of my situation slaps me across the face, and hard.
What was I thinking? A side glance down the hall is all it takes to confirm what I already know.
Mom’s bedroom door is open. She looks so peaceful when she’s sleeping.
As much as I want to go on this trip, and I really want to, there’s no way I can leave her, not now.
Reluctantly, I bring my phone up, hesitate for just a second, then do the responsible thing.
Maddie: I can’t go. I need to take care of my mother.
Rhonda: You read the letter, right?
I must have missed it. Of course there’s a letter. There’s always a handwritten letter. And there it is, right in front of me.
Dear Maddie,
We’ve had the best year since I first opened the store back in 1972, and that’s thanks to you in so many ways.
Your sewing classes have brought in more business than I could have imagined, and our customers tell me time and again how much they appreciate you.
I know I was reluctant when you first brought the idea to me, but you were right, the classes have been a huge success.
To show my appreciation, I’m sending you and Rhonda to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. It’s where my late husband and I honeymooned when we married, so it’s always had a special place in my heart.
Everything is covered. Food will be charged to your room, and I’ve already taken care of all the expenses. This entire trip won’t cost you a penny.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, and don’t worry, I spoke with your mother. It’s only four days, and she assured me she’ll be fine while you’re gone. She even promised to take her medicines and committed to eating three healthy meals a day. (She wanted me to tell you that.)
She was so happy to learn that you have the chance to get away, if only for a long weekend. I think she would be devastated if you didn’t go, so take that into consideration if you’re thinking about turning the trip down.
Maddie, I know I keep telling you this, but I’ll tell you again, I don’t know what I would do without you and Rhonda. I don’t think I could keep the store open without you two. I really do appreciate all your hard work.
God bless you!
Ms. Southerby
I glance down the hall again. That sneaky old woman! When did she talk to Mom? I guess it really doesn’t matter. What matters is, maybe this means I could go after all. It’s only four days, and I can call Mom whenever I want, right?
As realization seeps in, a thrill blankets my skin with goosebumps. Me on a vacation? I never could have imagined something so… impossible.
I pick up my phone to text Rhonda.
Maddie: I can’t believe this is happening.
Rhonda: I know, right? I think I’m going to get a new bikini for the hot tubs.
Maddie: OMG! I was just thinking the same thing. I’ll start looking online tomorrow. Right now, I have to clean up after my asshole brothers.
Rhonda: Seriously? You work way too hard. If anyone deserves a vacation, it’s you.
Maddie: Preaching to the choir.
Rhonda: I know, but it’s still true. See you tomorrow.
As much as I’m looking forward to flying somewhere amazing with Rhonda, the flames of excitement are quickly doused by a healthy dose of contempt for my dad and brothers. The way they left this kitchen is beyond acceptable, even for them.
I should leave it, and I would, if I could sleep knowing they would take care of it in the morning.
But they’re children, toddlers disguised as grown-ass adults, who will not only leave it the way it is but cook their breakfasts around the mess and leave even more for me to clean up tomorrow. I could scream!
I take another look at the brochure and cling to it for sanity. I’ve never been outside of Oregon. And I still can’t believe Ms. Southerby did this. Excluding my mother, it’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.
As I put everything back in the envelope, I’m surprised Mom knew about this.
At the same time, I’m not surprised she didn’t say anything.
It’s so typical of her to want it to be a surprise.
And of course she’d want me to go. She always puts her family before herself.
She’s been selfless like that our whole lives, and now that she needs my dad and brothers, where are they?
I know Dad fights with Josh and Keegan a lot when I’m not here.
Mom tells me about it. She says he’s always on them about something, and they respond by leaving, and he responds to them taking off by disappearing himself, often for days at a time.
That leaves me to take care of everything, the house, the bills, Mom’s doctor appointments, her medications, and all while maintaining a full-time job, not to mention how many hours I spend making other women’s dresses.
I don’t know how it ended up this way. They were supposed to be working this whole time, but somehow, I’m the only one bringing home a paycheck.
Without Mom at the helm, everything is falling apart. Before cancer, before I moved back, she was the queen of this domain, and everything ran so much smoother. Now it’s every man for himself.
No, that’s not true. It’s every manbaby for himself.
There’s only one solution. We need her back.
After our last visit, the doctor told me Mom is at a turning point.
Over the next month or so, we’ll find out if the treatments are working.
Sometimes I think if I wish hard enough, I feel like I can make it go our way, like somehow, I could force the universe to spare her.
If only it were that easy.