Sublime Resistance

by Charlene Zapata

  Later that night I decide to give Martina a call. I haven’t talked to her in weeks. Classes have kept me so busy that I barely have time for my mediocre social life let alone any other relationships.

  “Maggie! It’s so good to hear your voice! How are things in Michigan?”

  “Really good Martina. It’s great to hear your voice too. I really miss you.”

  “I miss you too. So tell me all about your classes. I want to hear every last detail.”

  “Well, I did have this huge project and had to present in front of the entire class. I had a partner who really helped me but I still managed to pull my own weight. We ended up getting a 99% on the overall project. Which counts as 60% of our grade for that class so it was kind of a big deal. I had to present in front of everyone and I loved it. I was surprised that my nerves didn’t take over. I think I picked the right field to go into. The rest of my classes are going really well. I don’t have any grades lower than a B but that’s because I work my butt off to keep up with everything.”

  “That all sounds great. I am so very proud of you. I never had a doubt in my mind that you would thrive in college. I am so glad that you found your passion in life. I hope it takes you far. What else has been going on? How is Heather?”

  We stay on the phone for over an hour before the conversation turns slightly awkward.

  “So any plans for Thanksgiving?” Great. Why did she have to bring that up? It’s almost like she knew I was trying to avoid the topic. Or maybe that’s just me being paranoid.

  “Actually, I’m going to Florida with a friend.”

  “That sounds like fun. I’ve never been to Florida. Please take lots of pictures for me. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Who is the friend?” And this is where it gets super awkward.

  “His name is Asher. He has been my partner in Professor Andrews’s class and my constant study buddy all semester. We are strictly friends. Nothing more.” I don’t know why I felt the need to explain, but I did. I let out a long sigh waiting for her response.

  “Maggie, I think that sounds like a wonderful trip. No one deserves it more than you. And I’m glad to hear that you found someone to study with. We all could use help at certain points in our life. Good for you for realizing it.”

  Relief floods my body as I exhale a deep breath. I thought for sure she would have something to say about me going on a trip with some guy. But to my surprise, she didn’t even seem to bat an eyelash at the idea. Maybe Vince has moved on and is seeing someone new. I have to bite my lip to prevent the question from spilling out of my mouth. I have no right to ask her about him. But God, do I want to.

  “So how is work going? How is the new manager position? And how are Joey and Keri?”

  “Work is going great. I really like my new role at the restaurant and everyone seems to respect the change in title. But Joey is going to give me grandbabies before I’m ready if those two don’t cool it. He is so in love with that girl. Don’t get me wrong, I like her. I really do. I just think he is so young to be this serious about a girl already.”

  It’s funny she says that because I got the feeling she couldn’t wait for Vincent to get serious with someone. Funny how people have a different perspective when it comes to the baby in the family. I never experienced siblings so I don’t really get it. But she has always seemed way more protective of Joey than she did of Vince. We talk for a while longer but I have homework calling out my name.

  “Thanks for taking time to give me a call. I just love getting updates. College sounds so exciting. I can tell you are really flourishing there. I’m proud of the choices you have made to get you to where you are now. You kind of remind me of myself when I was younger. Such a hard worker and always willing to put in the time to get where you want to go. I hope you know how much you mean to me.”

  “I do. Thank you for always being here for me, Martina. I love you and will tell you all about my trip when I get back.”

  “Okay Maggie. I love you too. Be careful and have a safe trip.”

  I don’t know why I was so worried about her reaction. She has never tried to make me feel bad about the decision Vincent made over a year ago. She told me exactly what she thought about his choice but never put any of that on me. Of course I had to tell her I couldn’t talk about him. Not now, not ever. She understood and has tried very hard not to bring him up during our conversations.

  Is it crazy that now I wish I hadn’t made that stipulation? Because I would love to know what he is doing right now in this very moment. Is he sitting at his desk drawing up sketches of magical gardens for his customers or hanging out with Tommy on their big leather sofa watching a football game? Or is he out with some bimbo looking at her the way he used to look at me?

  I think this trip might be exactly what I need. Maybe it will help me forget about Vincent Moreno for good. Deep down I know that isn’t even possible. But I guess a girl can dream. It’s such an internal conflict to want to forget someone but at the same time not want to forget them. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense. I just miss him. I wish things hadn’t turned out the way they did. I wish he wanted to be with me the way I wanted to be with him.

  Chapter Eight

  I have packed everything I think I will need for a Florida vacation. Asher’s family lives just south of Daytona Beach, so we will be flying into Orlando. His parents are going to pick us up at the airport after we arrive around 7 pm. It’s been a long and exhausting day. Planning for a trip to a place you have never been is draining to say the least. But I’m also weirdly excited to see new places and meet the rest of the Evans family.

  “All ready to go?” Heather asks as I pull my suitcase down the hallway.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea? What if Asher really does think this means more than it does?”

  “Will you please stop being such a pansy ass and get in the car. Who cares what he thinks might or might not happen. You were crystal clear with him on more than one occasion. Go have fun already!”

  That’s why I love her so much. Her no nonsense approach to life makes me smile. Even if she doesn’t apply it to her own life. I could see the disappointment when her boyfriend informed her they would not be spending Thanksgiving together. He said they can’t be seen in such a public setting or people will get suspicious. So she is heading home to be with her parents and younger sister instead. I just don’t get it. What is so public about having a girl over for Thanksgiving dinner? The only people who would see her would be his family. Unless that’s exactly who he doesn’t want to see her. I still think he has some hidden wife and children lurking around waiting to jump out of the closet. But Heather insists he is single and only worried about his job.

  I get into her car with a huff. I know she’s right so I decide not to over think things. Before heading to the airport, we make a quick stop by Asher’s dorm. He comes walking outside holding just a duffel bag. Typical guy luggage. I have a carry on, my purse and a suitcase. I just didn’t know what to pack so I packed everything. Every outfit I could cram into my suitcase that I thought I might wear.

  Asher slides into the backseat with ease, never taking his eyes off mine in the rear-view mirror. His amazing smile spreads from ear to ear showing me his dimples. I can’t help but smile back. He really is infectious. Heather gives us a quick good-bye at the airport, hugging me tightly and telling me again to relax and have fun.

  “So, you ready for this?”

  “Actually, I’m a little anxious. Not about meeting your family necessarily, it’s just that I’ve never been on a plane before.”

  “That’s ok. You can hold my hand if you get nervous. But I have a feeling you’re going to love it. I will even give up my window seat for you.”

  “You really think I’m going to like it?” I ask him with a slight quiver in my voice. To tell the truth, I haven’t done much in my 20 years on this earth. I can’t even believe I’m that old. My birthday came and went this year like any other day. Heather made me a cake, whic
h the two of us demolished. But I didn’t mention it to anyone else. I really didn’t feel like celebrating considering my birthday is just another reminder of the incredible party Vincent gave me two years ago. Heather let me get away with it this year but warned me that when I turn 21 she is taking me out on the town. This trip might just be the motivation I need to realize how much of the world I’ve yet to explore.

  The security line was a bit intimidating. Since I have never flown before, I had no idea what I was supposed to do. Asher was so patient, whispering in my ear what step was next. After making it through the metal detector unscathed, my self-confidence started to build. I decide to run into the candy store to get some sugar to help keep me awake. The last thing I want to happen is to fall asleep on my first plane ride ever. I grab a box of Gobstoppers and some gum. I have heard that chewing gum during take-off and landing helps with your ears popping. I also got a couple of gossip magazines to keep me busy. Asher is waiting patiently next to the terminal, charging his ever dying cell phone.

  I find myself standing still, staring at this gorgeous guy right in front of me. His sandy blonde hair hanging down just to his shoulders, with the left side tucked behind his ear so I can admire his strong jawline. He has his legs propped up on his duffle bag, one ankle over the other, completely comfortable. If you didn’t know him you would think he didn’t have a care in the world. But that isn’t true. I see the worry in his eyes about his future. He really struggles with what his father wants for his life and what his true passion is. Beyond the sexy, surfer exterior, he is truly boundless in what he can accomplish. He is caring, intelligent and has a generous heart. He has never once told me no when I needed help studying. And even though I know deep down he wishes I would open up to him, he has never pressured me. He kind of gets me. And I think I get him.

  Just as I’m about to snap out of my internal dialogue, he looks up and smiles. My natural inclination is to smile back but for some reason I can’t bring myself to do it. I just got caught seriously considering if this guy could be right for me. Maybe things didn’t work out with Vince because I was meant to be with Asher. Maybe this trip wasn’t such a good idea. I turn away quickly, hoping I pulled off the “I totally didn’t see you just now” brush off.

  I walk over and sit down next to him as if nothing happened.

  “Did you get me any candy?”

  “Oh, sorry. I didn’t think about it. But I will gladly share my Gobstoppers.”

  “No thanks. Those things will break your teeth.” He gives my knee a little shove. When I look up, I’m rewarded with a half-smile, another one of my favorites on him.

  After about 30 minutes of shaking my leg and flipping through the magazine about a hundred times not reading a single word, it’s finally time to board the flight. Once we get to our seats, Asher grabs my stuff and places it in the overhead bin. Then he gestures for me to take the window seat.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind giving up this view?”

  “I’m sure. I’ve flown a million times. Go for it.”

  I slide into the seat, fastening my seat belt securely across my lap. I make sure to pop a piece of gum in my mouth and put the magazines in the back of the seat directly in front of mine. After listening intently to the flight attendant review safety procedures, I feel a little more at ease. A few minutes later and we are taxiing down the runway. My leg starts to bounce uncontrollably until a gentle hand stills it. I look over into Asher’s calming eyes. He gives me a small, reassuring smile that everything is going to be alright. And for once, I think I believe him.

  He was right about one thing, I loved flying. It was the most incredible experience. I never took my eyes off the billowy clouds or the breathtaking mountain tops. I was slightly disappointed that we weren’t flying at night because I imagine seeing the city lit up from this high would be amazing. I was so enthralled with the view, I almost missed our landing. We were able to get a non-stop flight out of Detroit so it only took us about 2 ½ hours but it seemed like minutes to me.

  “What did you think of your very first flight?” I almost forgot that Asher was sitting next to me. I didn’t hear him make a sound the entire flight.

  “It was even more fantastic that I thought it would be. I can’t wait to do it again!”

  “I’m glad you liked it. Now for the really scary part. Are you ready to meet my parents?”

  “Of course. I just hope they like me.” I honestly didn’t feel nervous to meet his mom and dad. I think it’s because Asher himself is so calming. I just can’t imagine his parents being any different. And I couldn’t have been more wrong.

  As soon as we collect my luggage from the conveyer belt at baggage claim, a beautiful woman approaches Asher. She has long, dirty blonde hair with light brown eyes and golden skin. She isn’t much taller than me and I immediately see the resemblance between her and her son. His father on the other hand is very tall with broad shoulders, dark brown hair and blue eyes. His skin looks like it has never seen daylight giving it an almost iridescent quality. He is a striking older man but looks nothing like his sun kissed son and wife.

  “Asher, we have missed you so much!” His mother says gently with a warm smile as she hugs her son.

  “Hi Mom. This is Maggie. Maggie, this is my mom Ana.”

  “Maggie, it’s so nice to finally meet you. Asher has told me all about you.” I reach out to shake her hand but she wants nothing of it. She leans in giving me a gentle but welcoming hug. His father is the complete opposite. He stands completely still nodding in Asher’s direction.

  “Come on Dad, you can at least say hi to Maggie.” I don’t think his father liked that comment. But he smiled anyway, in a very creepy way, before actually saying hello.

  The drive back to their house is long and awkward. We sit in the back seat trying to carry on a conversation with his mother while his father sits in the driver’s side never saying a word. Once we get to the house, I’m given a tour by his mom while Asher and his dad go in another room to talk. I feel bad for him because the guy looked like he was ready to kill someone.

  Their house sits right across from the beach with palm trees surrounding both sides. It’s all white with black shutters and has a huge wraparound porch. The minute I walk in the door, I’m hit with a burst of freshness. In the middle of the entryway is a large, round, wooden table with the biggest arrangement of flowers I have ever seen. It’s not only beautiful, it’s magnificent. The aroma immediately puts me at ease, soothing my nerves.

  “Let me show you around quickly so you have time to freshen up before we get some dinner. The second floor is where my Arthur and I sleep, so there is no need to go up there. It’s just an extra bedroom and an office for my husband. The downstairs is where you and Asher will be sleeping. There is a Jack and Jill bathroom you will have to share. Here is the kitchen and living room. There is also a game room off of the formal living area but I’m sure Asher will show you that later. Just through that door is where you will be staying. I hope it’s comfortable for you. If you need anything just let me know.”

  “Thank you so much Mrs. Evans. Your home is just beautiful. I really appreciate you allowing me to stay here and join your family for Thanksgiving.”

  “You are very welcome. And please, call me Ana. Go ahead and freshen up. We leave for dinner in 30 minutes.”

  I am so tired from our flight, all I really want to do is go to bed. But that would be rude. His mother is being so nice inviting me along for dinner that I think it would be really bad manners to decline. I head into what will be my room for the next few days. It has the same feel as the rest of the house, fresh and clean. The bedspread is a gorgeous shade of blue with white flowers placed sporadically. There is a whitewash dresser against one wall and a large closet opposite the bed. After putting my things down on the floor next to the bed, I decide to check out the bathroom.

  After walking through the door, I see the vanity with two sinks and a separate room for the shower and toilet. There is
a connecting door that leads to Asher’s bedroom. I reach out to turn the handle but stop myself. I can’t look at his room without him. He would be so disappointed he didn’t get to show me everything. So I head back to get my make-up bag and freshen up for dinner.

  Exactly 30 minutes later we pile into his parents SUV to check out some new restaurant his mother recommended. Being on the coast of Florida we end up at a seafood place. That’s just great. I really hate seafood. I am secretly praying they have chicken or pasta. I can tolerate shrimp if I have to but would much rather eat a nice, juicy steak. Asher and I haven’t spoken much since we landed. He seems preoccupied. It makes me very curious what his father was so impatient to discuss with him. He almost seems depressed. I reach across the backseat and grab his hand giving it a small squeeze. He looks over at me out of the corner of his eye lifting his mouth just slightly, giving me at least some reassurance that he is alright.

  The dinner conversation flows just like I expected. We talk mostly about school and our projects. His mother is very interested in our partnership and how we became friends. The minute there is a lull in the conversation his father steps in.

  “Maggie, is that short for something?”

  “Yes sir. My full name is Magnolia but I prefer Maggie.”

  “Magnolia, why are you spending Thanksgiving with complete strangers rather than your own family?” His father looks right into my eyes, directing every bit of condescension in his words directly toward me.

  “Arthur, don’t be so abrupt with Maggie. Where are your manners?” Asher’s mom apologizes for her husband’s forwardness.

  “That’s ok. I don’t mind answering. It’s a valid question since you have so graciously opened your home to me. My father is deceased and my mother lives in Ohio. We don’t speak. I’m an only child and my Grandfather encouraged me to take a break from school to enjoy the warm Florida weather. And if you don’t mind, I said I prefer to be called Maggie. No one calls me Magnolia.”