CHAPTER SIX - LIZ
CHAPTER SIX
LIZ
Liz let the drapes fall back in place in her front window where she’d been waiting for over thirty minutes now. Where was Rose?
She’d called, but her sister wasn’t answering. Liz supposed she should be worried, but this was typical Rose behavior. Tonight, of all nights, Rose needed to be on time. They couldn’t miss Jo’s celebration of life. It was important.
Tears gathered in Liz’s eyes. She was dressed in a pair of pinstripe pants with a royal-blue top and a soft-cream cardigan sweater because it got chilly on the waterway at night, even this time of year. Now it looked like she might not even make it to the celebration after all. Maybe she should just put her pj’s on and curl into bed. The thought was fleeting. She was a lot of things, but a quitter wasn’t one of them.
She’d ride her bike. If she rode fast, she could be there in fifteen to twenty minutes, tops. She’d miss the mingling and the part where people said a few kind words about the dearly departed. But she’d be there for the main event. Over the years, Jo would talk about her grand send-off one day. She had made it sound like she was going on a cruise or something, instead of dying.
Liz grabbed her purse and keys and hurried to the garage, freeing her bicycle from its rack on the wall and pulling on her helmet. Then she straddled the seat and coasted out of the driveway. At its crest, she started pedaling with determination, mostly fueled out of irritation at Rose.
She made it to the STOP sign, looked both ways, and then pumped her right foot to go when a truck pulled up beside her. Liz glanced over into Matt’s rolled down window. She felt her lips part a little because she wasn’t expecting to see him at this moment.
“My instructions are to escort you to Jo’s Celebration of Life. Hop in, my lady.”
Liz blinked. She was still slightly out of breath from racing down her street.
Matt pushed his truck door open and stepped out. “Here, let me help you put your bike in the bed of the truck.”
Liz swung her leg off and watched as Matt picked up her Schwinn like it weighed nothing. “Careful with it,” she said, unable to help herself.
“Of course.” He grinned at her over his shoulder and when he did, a million butterflies stormed her stomach.
She ignored the fluttering sensation in her belly and unsnapped her helmet, placing it into the bed of his truck next to her bike. Then she headed over to the passenger seat, opened the door, and ignoring her inner reservations, climbed in. “Thank you,” she said once he’d returned to sitting behind the steering wheel.
“You could have called yourself, you know?” His gaze lingered on her a long moment before returning to the road.
Matt was ever helpful. And kind. She had his number programed into her phone, of course, but she didn’t want to have to use it. No, she wanted her sister to be a responsible human being for once.
“You were running late too?” Liz asked.
“I got home later than expected. I was working a wreck on Conch Avenue.” He cast her an apologetic look. And there it was. The reason she didn’t call Matt. They had a history that started with her very own wreck. Every time they were together, something happened or was said that created that very look he was giving her now. The concerned divot between his eyes, pulling his brows into a slight tilt. He’d pulled her to safety, held her as she’d cried—although that’s just what she was told because she didn’t actually remember anything. She was in shock.
He remembered though. She could see it on his face when he mentioned an accident or a scene. That was his job. It was what he did, day in and day out.
Matt lifted his foot off the gas pedal just a notch. Without thinking, she clutched the safety handle on the truck door. He continued to drive five below the speed limit all the way to Sunrise Park, where he pulled in at the end of a long trail of vehicles.
“Look at that,” Matt said.
Liz followed his gaze to the turquoise and fluorescent-orange-colored horizon, melting behind the distant coastline. “It’s beautiful out here.”
“Jo had the right idea. You can be buried below the ground or you can have your ashes out there in nature’s beauty.”
Liz knew not to look at Matt right now. She was already feeling everything. Frustrated and irritated at Rose. Sentimental and mourning Jo. She didn’t need to mix in anything else. Especially not anything romantic. Instead, she pushed open her truck door. “Thank you for the ride,” she said. “I’m sure Rose can take me home afterward.”
He stepped out too, meeting her on the other side of the truck. “You’re sure Rose is coming tonight?”
Liz looked at him. “Rose knew Jo. I’m sure she’ll be here.”
“Well, you have my number and I have your bike. You know I don’t mind giving you a lift if you need it.”
Liz offered him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
As they approached the small gathering, Mr. Lyme stepped over and handed them each a candle. He pulled out a lighter stick and lit the wick on both. “You’re just in time. I’m about to read the letter Jo wrote to everyone.”
“Jo wrote a letter?” Liz asked, intrigued that she’d get to hear one or two more Jo-isms before saying their final goodbye.
“Oh, yeah. You know Jo always had to have the last word.” Mr. Lyme wiped at a tear on his cheek.
Liz reached for his arm. “I know you miss her. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Well, after tonight, every time I look up into the sky, I’ll think of her.”
Liz tried to keep her expression neutral. Jo was an unusual woman. She didn’t do things the conventional way, and Liz would expect nothing less than what Jo had prepared for her own celebration of life tonight. Jo wouldn’t want to be under the ground. She’d want to spend her eternity among the stars.
“Excuse me,” Mr. Lyme said. “I need to collect myself before I read the letter.”
“Of course.” Liz watched him walk away. Her gaze connected with Melody’s. Melody was surrounded by Tammy Flynn, Kiki Rogers, and Mr. Rodriguez, their old geometry teacher from middle school.
Matt leaned in and spoke in a soft whisper only for Liz’s ears. “C’mon. You know you feel sorry for her. I’m not sure how long she’s been stuck talking to them, but judging by her face, she could use a friend.”
Liz remembered Bri’s advice in her last message that she’d sent. Bri had always been the one with the attitude growing up. Quick to kick butt in her own words. But as she’d matured, she was the wise one. Whether Melody deserved her empathy or not, Melody did look a little overwhelmed, and Liz did feel sorry for her. Just a little. “Okay. Yeah. I’ll go say hi.”
“Great.” Matt turned to go in the opposite direction. “I need to find Christopher. We’re doing the honors of Jo’s send-off tonight.”
“Oh,” Liz said, catching his eye. “You are?”
“Yep. We’re taking Mr. Lyme’s boat. Three miles from the shore is the ordinance. Though, I think Jo would appreciate a little bit of rule-breaking for her send-off.”
Liz laughed. “Maybe go out two and three-quarter miles.
“My thoughts precisely.” His smile could have lit up the night.
Liz caught herself staring and then looked away. “Good luck with that. Thanks again for the ride.” She started walking toward Melody, forcing her steps until she was standing in the midst of the odd group. Tammy Flynn was a gossip. Kiki was nice enough, but Liz knew Kiki had never really liked Melody so her motivations for standing here were suspect. And Mr. Rodriguez couldn’t hear when they were in middle school. He’d yelled even back then because he refused to wear his hearing aids.
“Liz!” Mr. Rodriguez yelled, still not wearing his aides.
Liz flinched and then accepted the hug he offered. Tammy hugged her too. Then Kiki.
“It’s so good to see you,” Kiki said, warmly. Kiki did like Liz, so Liz knew it was sincere. To be fair, Kiki probably didn’t like Melody because Melody had professed her crush on Marcus Wilkes once. It was a middle school scandal considering Kiki was already going to the spring dance with Marcus. Even though it was years ago, decades even, some grudges held on tight, especially in a small town.
Pulling back from the hug with Kiki, Liz looked at Melody, the only one in the little group she was standing with that she hadn’t yet embraced. Not hugging would send a message that Tammy, the gossip, would undoubtedly relay all night. So Liz dutifully leaned in. Reading the cues, Melody opened her arms. The hug was awkward at best. Liz wanted to squeeze Melody tightly and then wring her neck. She also wanted to hold onto her friend and not let go for a solid five minutes.
Liz felt her eyes well up. Time to let go before actual tears start falling. As she pulled back, her sweater caught on something. She and Melody looked down at the same time, bumping foreheads.
“Ow. Sorry,” Melody said.
“Here! Let me take those candles!” Mr. Rodriquez yelled. “Before you two start a fire out here.” His laugh was just as loud as his voice.
Liz handed her candle to him, twisting her neck to look at what was caught.
“My charm bracelet is caught on your sweater.” Melody reached around and tried to free herself. “I think it wants you to wear it,” she teased, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “I can’t get it free without snagging your top.”
Liz twisted her neck again.
“Here.” Melody maneuvered her arm and pulled her wrist from the bracelet.
Liz looked down at Melody’s now bare wrist. “Where is it?”
“On your sweater.” Melody gestured with a tip of her head. “It was your turn anyway.”
Liz didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t taken the bracelet at the bakery when Melody had first offered it because it symbolized a friendship that she wasn’t willing to give another chance. But after Bri’s advice, Liz didn’t know how to feel anymore. “I’ll, uh, clip it free when I get home.”
“And then wear it. You should.” Melody offered back a soft smile.
“So nice to see you two friends making up!” Mr. Rodriquez yelled, gaining all the attention of those nearby.
Liz groaned under her breath. She couldn’t help it. She needed to step away. She needed air, but she was standing outside. She couldn’t get any more air than this.
Mr. Lyme tapped the top of his cordless microphone to gain everyone’s attention as he stood at the front of the crowd. “Thank you all for being here tonight,” he said.
The noise of the crowd died down as everyone turned to face him.
Liz listened as he talked about the woman he’d loved. His Jo. They’d never married, but they were as married as any two people could be in Liz’s mind. Mr. Lyme was devoted, and Jo had loved him more than all the treasure in the world’s treasure chest. That’s what she’d always told Liz.
“Find you a man who makes you feel like you’ve happened upon your lost treasure of Atlantis.”
Mr. Lyme handed off his candle to Matt who was standing nearby with Christopher. Then he opened a letter from Jo, explaining that she’d written it the night before she’d passed away and had instructed him to read it at this very occasion.
Without thinking, Liz glanced over and locked eyes with Melody, exchanging a meaningful look. They both seemed to be anticipating and dreading Jo’s final words. Until Jo, the only person who Liz had ever lost was Alyssa. Alyssa’s final words to her were, “Well, that was scary.” It was after the small deer had darted in front of their car, causing Liz to swerve.
Hopefully, Jo had something more insightful to say with her final words.
Mr. Lyme cleared his throat and looked down at the paper in his hands. He began to read.
To the ones I love,
This is not goodbye, although it might feel that way. And for that I’m sorry.
There’s so much I want to say before I leave this world—with a bang—but sometimes less is more, and I’d rather you remember the most important things I have to tell you. Because sometimes we forget to remember. We’re humans after all. But all those little forgotten things, the lost pieces of us that we don’t even know we’re missing, add up. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose ourselves entirely.
So I’m keeping this short and sweet and simple. Here goes . . .
Dreamers, don’t let fear keep you from chasing the desires of your heart. Some people think dreams are just for sleeping, but I say the best ones are had when we’re wide awake. Hidden Treasures was my dream, but I know owning a thrift store isn’t everyone’s thing. God made us all different and I thank Him for that.
One thing I loved about Hidden Treasures was the shoes! Have you ever put yourself in someone else’s shoes? It’s an amazing thing, really. We don’t know what we’d do, or say, or how we’d act until and unless we’ve walked to the market in their shoes. So, in honor of me, try on someone else’s Nikes for a time. Just Do It.
Also, don’t be too stubborn to forgive. But never forget because forgetting can turn you into a fool. True forgiving though, that lifts you to a level that few achieve. Accept each other and love while you can. Because life is fleeting, and sometimes the things that are lost can’t be found again.
Jerry, I’m waiting for you, over the horizon, out among the stars, ready to be your Mrs. Lyme once you join me. No rush. I’m in no hurry. You’ll get here when you get here. Until then, know that I’m not lonely. I’ll be here with my baby son, Jasper, and Alyssa.
Yours Truly,
Jo
P.S. Melody, if you’re home, welcome back. I valued people more than material things in life, but Hidden Treasures was the one thing I regret leaving behind. It’s true to its name. The treasure is there, waiting for you to uncover. Look for it!
Liz looked over and saw Melody’s eyes shimmering with tears. Without thinking, she reached over and squeezed Melody’s hand. Maybe Melody had left when Liz had needed her most, but that didn’t mean Liz’s heart was cold toward her. She knew disappearing was always Mel’s way of dealing with hard things. Leaning in, Liz whispered, “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Melody wiped at her eyes and nodded. She didn’t look okay though.
Mr. Lyme started talking again. “All right, men. If you’ll do the honors.”
Holding her hand, Liz felt Melody’s body tense as Matt and Christopher carried a huge rocket-shaped firework toward a boat that sat idling off the Sunset Park Pier.
“What’s going on?” Melody asked, watching the men. “What are they doing?”
“This is what Jo wanted.” Liz had assumed Melody knew what was about to happen. Jo was her great-aunt. They were family. Wouldn’t Melody’s father have told her that Jo requested to have her ashes poured into a firework to shoot off over the water? Jo wanted to light up the sky and go out with a bang. And that’s exactly what she was doing.
Liz wasn’t thrilled about the idea, but Jo was her own person. The thrift shop owner was unconventional, and Liz loved her for it.
“Jo’s wish was to be shot off in a firecracker?” Melody said, raising her voice. “They’re going to shoot my great-aunt off in a piece of plastic?” Her eyes were wide as she looked at Liz now. “And you think this is okay?”
Liz shook her head. “It’s not for me to think anything of. I have no say. She’s not my family. Not legally.”
Melody’s cheeks were flushed the way they used to get in school when she got mad. Melody had never been one to anger easily, but when she did, the blood rushed to her skin. “No, Jo is my family. And I am not okay with this.” She pointed down to the boat that Matt and Christopher were navigating out in the water. Two and three-quarter miles. “I’m not okay.” Melody’s voice cracked. Her gaze flicked around as she seemed to realize she wasn’t whispering anymore. If possible, her skin bloomed an even darker shade.
“Melody, you need to—” Liz started to say, but Melody cut her off.
“Go. I need to go.” Turning, Melody started a brisk walk up the hill, away from the crowd, and away from Liz.
Liz debated chasing after her, just like she had the last time Melody had run. But tonight was about honoring Jo’s wishes. Jo wanted her loved ones to send her off with an incredible bang. So that’s what Liz would do.
Facing forward, Liz held her breath and her tears. Minutes later, a squeal penetrated the night, high-pitched and shrill, followed seconds later by the brightest, most vivid display of colors that Liz had ever seen lighting up the isle’s sky. It was a show worthy of Jo herself with all her thrifty flair.
Tears ran down Liz’s cheek as she watched until the last color fizzled out in the dark sky. Then Liz blew out her candle, silently celebrating Jo, who had been right. It did feel like goodbye. But tonight also felt like the cuff of something new.
A hand tapped Liz’s back. She whirled and faced Rose.
“Did you know you have a bracelet stuck to your sweater?” Rose folded her arms at her chest. Her eyebrow piercing glinted in the moonlight.
Liz wiped at her cheek. “Yeah, I know. Where were you?”
“I forgot about this thing, okay?”
“I texted and called.” Liz tried to remain calm. Dr. Mayer used to say that when she felt herself getting upset, she should focus on a small part of her body, like her toes. Liz curled them into the bottom of her shoes as she waited for Rose to explain.
“My cell phone was dead. Sorry.” She didn’t sound apologetic. Her tone sounded more annoyed than anything. “I’m glad you made it. Did you ride your bike?”
“Matt gave me a ride.”
“Great.” Rose took a step backward. “So he can give you a lift back home too?”
Liz knew that Rose hadn’t had much of a relationship with Jo. Not like Liz. Even so, wouldn’t Rose want to be here in support of Liz? Liz had loved Jo like family. Liz reached for Rose’s arm before she took another step to leave. “Where are you going?”
“I have a social life, you know,” Rose said.
“Not tonight you don’t. Tonight, you’re taking me home,” Liz practically growled, suddenly exhausted and on the verge of tears. She softened her tone. “Please.”
After a moment, Rose’s pinched expression seemed to relax. “Fine.” She shrugged. “I guess I don’t really feel like hanging out with Devin tonight anyway. Maybe we can watch something on Netflix.”
Liz blinked. We? “Yeah, I’m sure we could agree on something to watch.”
“Doubtful. But when I spoke to Mom on the phone earlier, she said I had to be sensitive to your needs. Because of Jo and all. So . . .” Rose shrugged.
“Making me catch a ride to the celebration of life is being sensitive to my needs?” Liz asked.
“Look, as soon as I remembered what tonight was, I sped home and then raced here to find you. I’m sorry, okay?” Rose shrugged. “Truly.”
Liz nodded, remembering the words of Jo’s letter. Something about forgiveness and walking in another’s shoes. She looked down at Rose’s combat boots and back up at her sister, who had maybe needed more of her parents’ attention than she’d gotten growing up. Their parents had been worried about Liz for a long time after the accident. Rose had probably gotten shorted the attention she was due. Liz probably hadn’t been the best sister either. “Okay,” Liz said, relaxing her curled toes. “Let’s get out of here. I’m ready to go home.”
To: Liz Dawson
From: Bri Johnson
Subject: Remembering Jo
Liz,
I don’t need to be there tonight. I’ll lie on my cot and think of her along with everyone else. I don’t even know where to start. There’s one memory I never shared with you, or anyone for that matter. But since we’re celebrating our “Aunt” Jo, I went dumpster diving with her once.
It was dirty and smelly, but, oh wow, we had the best time. At the time, I was high on pain meds, but Jo was just Jo. I think we got some day-old bread that hadn’t even been opened. We brought it back to her place and ate it with apple butter. We also found an old radio and a small cherub statue pouring a vase of water. Weird and random, I know, but it’s my favorite memory of her so how can I not think on it tonight?
There are people in this world who are too afraid to be who they are because the world has taught them that who they are is not okay. Jo was everything that I imagine people tried to change along the way, and she bucked their efforts.
Rest in peace, Jo. May the dumpsters in heaven be gold-plated and full of fresh bread and little cherub statues that make your heart happy.
B