nowhere (19 page)

I didn’t have a lot of options. I asked around for a jump, but I didn’t have jumper cables and neither did anyone else. I could’ve walked to the local garage, but that wasn’t practical. It would’ve taken a long time and then I would’ve been stuck carrying a heavy battery all the way back to my truck. I could’ve called a tow truck, but that was too expensive. Time was ticking. Finally I pulled out my phone. “Hello. Mr. Jenkins?”

“Yes?”

“It’s me, James. I need your help.”

Ten minutes later, Mr. Jenkins pulled into the parking lot. He gave me a jump and then followed me to Tom’s garage in case the charge didn’t last long enough to get there.

“Thanks, Mr. Jenkins. I really appreciate you helping me out like this,” I said, making it to the garage.

“No problem, son. Go and see if Tom has a new battery. I’ll stick around until you’re all set.”

“Thanks.”

I found Tom, the owner, underneath a car changing its oil. I cleared my throat loudly. “Hey, Tom, is that you?”

“Yeah,” he said, rolling out from underneath. He wiped his hands on a rag. “What can I do for you, Dooner?”

“Old Faithful ran out of juice. I need to get a new battery for her. Do you have one in stock?”

“I don’t know. I’ll go and see. Are you planning on changing it yourself? I’m a little backed up. I couldn’t get to it until maybe sometime tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.”

“Yeah, I can do it as long as you have one.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.”

I kept checking my phone for the time. I couldn’t believe it was 6:30 already when Tom came back out.

“Here you are,” he said, handing me the battery.

“Thanks so much. Can I pay you tomorrow? I don’t have enough cash on me since I wasn’t expecting to need a new battery and all.”

“No problem. Stop by any time. I’ll be here all day. Help yourself to whatever tools you need to get her running again. Just make sure you win the first big game of the year.”

“I’ll do my best.” The whole town would be disappointed if I didn’t play in that game. “Thanks, Tom,” I said.

“Okay. I gotta get back to work.” He slid back under the car he was working on.

Mr. Jenkins helped me install the new battery. It was easier and quicker with his help. I could see why Mikayla and him hit if off, despite the fact that they’d probably both deny it if anyone asked them. The truth was they were a lot a like.

“Get in and let’s see if she starts,” said Mr. Jenkins from under the hood.

I turned the key and gave her gas. She immediately roared to life. “Woo-hoo,” I shouted.

Mr. Jenkins put the hood back down. “She’s as good as new.” He moved out of the way. “You better go if you’re going to make it.”

“Thanks, Mr. Jenkins. I really appreciate you helping me out tonight. I owe you one,” I quickly jumped out and shook his hand.

“No need to thank me. Just say hello to my granddaughter for me when you see her.” He winked.

“Will do.” I jumped back in my truck and drove away.

It was going to be a close one. It was a thirty-minute drive to the hospital and it was already 7:15. I drove as quickly as I could without getting a speeding ticket.

I pushed open the main door of the hospital at exactly 8:00 p.m. I rushed over to the reception desk where a scary Amazon-looking receptionist sat. “Hi. Can you please tell me which room Mikayla Mooney is in?”

She stared disapprovingly at me. I was covered in sweat and grease from changing the battery. “No young man, I cannot. Visiting hours are over. See the sign? They end at 8 p.m. and right now it is 8:01. You’ll have to come back tomorrow morning.”

I felt all the air go out of me, like a flat tire. “Yeah, but I really need to see her tonight. She’s expecting me. I won’t stay but a minute, I promise.”
Mikayla won’t forgive me this time.

“Those are the rules,” she said determinedly.

I couldn’t just give up and go home. I was looking for a way to sneak past the receptionist, who was watching me closely, when I spotted Mrs. Mooney getting off the elevator.

“Hi, Mrs. Mooney. I’m here to see Mikayla. I would’ve been here sooner, but my truck wouldn’t start,” I said all at once.

“Oh, James.” She frowned. “I’d take you up to her room, but the nurse just kicked me out, visiting hours are over.”

“You’re her mother, surely you can get me in to see her,” I said, sounding desperate.

“I wish I could. Apparently they’re strict here about the patients getting enough rest.” My shoulders sagged. “You’ll have to wait to see her until tomorrow.”

“How is she?”

“She’s okay. She wants to go home, but the doctors are keeping her one more night. As long as everything’s fine, she can go home in the morning.”

“Cool.” I smiled brightly.

“Can you keep a secret?” she asked, putting her arm through mine. I nodded. “Tomorrow is Mike’s eighteenth birthday, which you probably already know.”

“Yeah,” I replied. Mikayla had only mentioned her birthday in passing, but I had taken special note of it.

We had arrived in the parking garage and I could see Mrs. Mooney’s Audi up ahead. “Well, I’m planning a surprise party for her, since she’ll be getting out of the hospital.”

“Okay,” I answered slowly. I wasn’t so sure that Mikayla liked parties or surprises. I thought back to the day that we met at the road party, and then a few days later when I showed up unannounced on her front porch. She hadn’t been overjoyed on either of those occasions. I shook my head and smiled. Sometimes things had a way of working out.

Mike

“Finally,” I said, standing, as my mom sauntered into my hospital room. I’d been dressed and ready to go home since 7 a.m.—it was already after 10. “Let’s go.”

“Hi to you too, honey.” My mom chuckled. “You might as well sit back down. I have to stop by the nurse’s station and sign your papers. I came in here first to say good morning.” She bent down and kissed the top of my head.

“It’s barely still morning and it certainly isn’t good,” I grouched.

“Sounds like someone’s feeling better,” my mom commented on her way out the door.

While I waited, an orderly came in with a wheel chair. “I got your ride here, miss.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled. I couldn’t help but remember how James had easily picked me up and carried me in his strong arms. I sighed, wishing he were here now instead of this cold wheelchair. Then, just as quickly, I remembered how he hadn’t even bothered to call, or come to see me.

My mom pulled the car around. “Where’s Pops?” I asked once I was settled in. I was sure he’d come to pick me up. He hadn’t been to visit me either. I was only in the hospital for less than 48 hours, but still I thought he’d come, today being my birthday and all. I couldn’t believe how sad I felt that he wasn’t here. I really missed him.

“He hates hospitals.” She gave me an apologetic smile.

“I know the feeling,” I mumbled. 

It was a quiet ride back to the farm. I didn’t feel like talking. I was exhausted. I hadn’t slept at all in the hospital, with the monitors going off every few minutes, and the lights in the hallway on all night long. Also, I was depressed. Neither Pops nor James had visited me in the hospital. Paige wasn’t coming to town. And worst of all, my mom hadn’t even wished me a happy birthday.

How could she have forgotten? I slumped against the window in the passenger seat and looked out at the passing scenery without really seeing it. In the past, birthdays had always been a big deal in my family. My dad went out of his way to make sure that they were extra special. My throat tightened. I thought that signing and dating my discharge papers would have reminded her that today was my eighteenth birthday, but I guessed not. I closed my eyes to hold back the tears.

Finally I opened them and saw Pop-Pop’s house up head. A warm feeling spread through me; it felt good to be almost home. When she turned the corner, the first thing I noticed was James’ truck in the driveway. A smile spread across my face. My aunt’s truck was there too.

My mom parked. I took a moment to process the scene on the front porch. There were two big banners stretched across the front. That looked like Emma’s handiwork: “Welcome home, Mike,” and “Happy 18th birthday!” A small group waited expectantly. It was the same group that had gathered here the day we arrived—well, almost. James hadn’t been here then. A different feeling settled in my stomach today upon seeing them. Today I wasn’t angry and resentful. I was happy. I smiled from ear to ear.

Slowly I turned to face my mom. “Thanks.” I wanted to say more, but I couldn’t get the words out. I was too choked up.

“You’re welcome. You didn’t really think I’d forget your birthday, did you?”

I didn’t answer, but it was written all over my face.

“I did give birth to you, you know.” She laughed, making me feel better.  “How’d I do?  Did I get it right?” she asked, pointing toward the front porch.

“You did great, Mom, thanks.” I reached over and gave her a hug.

“Well, you better go enjoy your guests,” she said, pointing. “They’re waiting for you.”

I smiled brightly as I stepped out of the car. All at once everyone started singing “Happy Birthday” while Emma came out onto the porch, carrying a cake with eighteen candles.

“Make a wish,” my mom said, putting her arm around me. We stepped onto the porch.

“My wish already came true.” I looked around, one by one, at the people I loved until my gaze finally came to rest on James. Instantly my face grew warm.

“There must be something,” my mom insisted.

I blushed even redder. I could only think of one thing I didn’t already have. And it wasn’t something you found at a store. I quickly took a deep breath and blew out the candles before anyone could read my mind. All the candles went out. Did that mean my wish was going to come true? The porch erupted in claps and cheers.

My mom appeared with a knife and a stack of paper plates. “Who wants cake? It’s Mike’s favorite, yellow cake with chocolate frosting a la mode.” My mom cut the cake while Emma scooped ice cream. I served it and personally thanked everyone for coming.

Pops was at the top of my list. “Here,” I said, handing him a piece of cake and leaping into his arms for a big hug, almost smashing the cake between us. Normally I wasn’t into physical contact, but right now it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Pops hugged me back as tightly as my recent surgery would allow.

“Hey now, girl. What’s gotten into you?” he asked, finally releasing me. “Did they do more than take out your appendix in the hospital?” He pulled on one of my curls. Pops was like me; showing emotions wasn’t something we were good at. 

“I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m so happy to be home.” I smiled. Nowhere was my home now. This old farm house, surrounded by my family and James, was were I belonged.

Pops returned my smile with one of his own. “It makes my day to hear you say that. I didn’t realize how lonely I was until you moved in and started stomping around and banging cupboard doors. It sure was quiet the past two days.”

“That reminds me, you didn’t even come to see me while I was in the hospital.”

“Yeah, sorry about that, kid. I don’t like hospitals.”  He shivered.

“Me either. I don’t blame you for not wanting to come,” I said, forgiving him.

“That’s not the only reason I didn’t visit you. The truth is I was feeling guilty about driving you to school that day. I’m real sorry I did. I never should’ve let you convince me.”  Pops looked ashamed.

“Oh, Pops, it’s not your fault,” I gushed, wanting to make him feel better. “I would’ve gone whether you drove me or not.” I instinctively touched my side, remembering. “And I would’ve ended up in the hospital regardless.”

“It is your fault that she’s so stubborn though.” My mom laughed, coming up behind us—she didn’t mention that she was also stubborn. I guessed it ran in the family. “Mike, don’t forget about the rest of your guests.” She nodded to everyone else.

“I won’t.” I left them to continue making my rounds.

“Hi, Aunt Carol. Thanks for coming.”

“Oh, darling, I’m just glad you’re okay.” She gave me a tight squeeze.

“Happy birthday, cuz,” said Austin.

“Thanks.” I gave him a quick hug. I didn’t want anyone to feel left out.

Tyler came over when he saw me talking to his mom and his brother. He’d been sitting with Emma. She stood up to carry the ice cream back inside before it melted. James held the door open for her. “You sure are one tough girl, Mike.” Tyler squeezed my shoulders.  “First you have the guts to come barging into the guys’ locker room.” He laughed.

“I’m glad you can laugh about it now,” I commented.

“What else can I do?” He shrugged.
Maybe Tyler isn’t so bad.
“And then you then get appendicitis and make a full recovery. You make it look easy.”

“Thanks, I guess.” I chuckled. I wasn’t really sure how to respond. It did, however, feel like there was a compliment in there somewhere.

“I’m sorry I pushed you the other night.” I nodded, accepting his apology. This one felt real, unlike the apology he gave me because James made him. “And the truth is—you could do worse.” He glanced over  at James who sat nearby, talking to Pops. “I promise not to interfere again.”

“Good.” It seemed Tyler and I had reached an agreement. Things really were falling into place here, making my smile widen.

“You have presents to open,” my mom interrupted, carrying out a small stack. My face flushed.

“Open our gift first, sweetie,” said Aunt Carol. “It’s the one in the blue wrapping paper. I have to get the boys home soon so that they can get ready for this afternoon’s practice.” 

“Oh, sure,” I stuttered. I forgot that James would have to leave soon. My smile faltered slightly. I hadn’t even made it around to talk to him yet.

I carefully unwrapped the presents. My aunt gave me a hideous short-sleeve purple blouse that I’d never wear, but I smiled and thanked her anyway. Pops gave me a quirky card that made me laugh, with a check inside. Next I opened a raspberry-colored graphic T-shirt from Emma that I couldn’t wait to try on. The last present in the pile was from my mom, a jean jacket with three quarter sleeves, and a really fabulous art book of the paintings in the Louvre. My eyes teared up as I flipped through the pages. I recognized it as a final gift from my dad. Paris was the last place he traveled to for his job.