by Colora, R.
When I get to my door, I wave. I can hear the phone ringing and rush in to get it, but when I answer it’s the silence again. I thought the calls had stopped. I haven’t gotten any since the accident, and now they are going to start back up again. Heading to my room, I wait for MJ to come home. I haven’t driven since the accident. The truth is: I’m too scared to get behind the wheel again. I make my way to the shower and turn the water to as hot as possible—every part of my body is aching. I’m glad I have a day to relax before Ian comes back for more torture.
“Mom?” I hear MJ call from the living room.
“Yeah, I’m in my room.” I’m trying to rub Ben-Gay on my leg, but I’m too sore to reach down.
MJ comes in and helps rub it into my calves that are burning with pain.
“I want to see my dad,” he says while he focuses on my leg.
“MJ, I never told you that you couldn’t see Michael. I want you to spend time with him. I’m not angry at your dad we just need to pull back on our relationship to build it up. We want to be the best parents for you, and in order for that to happen I have issues I have to deal with and your dad some issues he has to deal with, but none of this is about you. You are the best thing that ever happened to either of us, but your dad and I need to fix the things wrong with us before we can be a couple. Do you understand?”
“Yeah, but I thought he told us to leave, that he didn’t want us.”
“Oh no, honey, that’s not what happened at all. This wasn’t because of anything other than us trying to find what was right for everyone. Your dad and I are working through some issues, and soon we are going to have some counseling as a family so that we all have a fresh start.”
“Ok, Mom. I love you. I’m glad you and dad are getting your stuff together. I know he loves us I just really liked living with him, and I like the way he took care of you like a real husband, like grandpa takes care of grandma. Mom, can we have pizza tonight?”
“You have been here for five minutes, and you’re asking for food already. Kid, you’re going to eat me out of house and home!”
“Well, what do you expect, Mom, I’m a growing boy!” I look at MJ—it looks like he has grown a foot. This time last year he was tiny, now he towers over me. At almost 5’7 he is a giant amongst other ten-year-olds and has surpassed most of the female teachers.
MJ and I sit on the sofa and kick back for a night in. ”What do you want to watch, Mom?. He is looking through the DVDs on the counter. ”What’s this, Mom?” He holds up the box Michael sent me filled with movies we saw.
“Your dad sent me that box of movies. They are all movies we saw while we were dating.”
He pulls out a movie and looks at the cover confused. “This movie is old, Mom, like black and white.”
“Yes, sweetie, it was from when we use to go to ‘Romance in the Park’, and they would play old romantic movies on a big screen. Once a month we would take a blanket and watch the movies under the stars.” He holds up the movie, and I smile. “That was the movie we saw the first time your dad kissed me,” I say with a sad smile. He pops it in the DVD player and lets the previews start. He runs to the kitchen and grabs us some drinks and plates and napkins. When the pizza delivery guys rings the doorbell, I hop up to grab the two extra-large pies. I make it to the sofa before he does, and we sit down for our dinner and a movie.
When the movie is over, I hear a sniffle and look over at MJ, who is sitting with his arms crossed.
“Are you okay, MJ?” I ask.
“Yeah, Mom, my allergies have been acting up all day,” he says, walking the plates and cups to the kitchen. I pull the DVD out and put in back in the box.
“Why did she have to get hit by the car? She was going to meet him and then BAM! everything gets messed up,” he says with a frown on his face.
“That is true. Things took a turn for the worse, but in the end they end up together because true love always wins. That’s the moral of the story,” I say walking over and throwing my arm around him.
“I think I’m in love with Lacey Billings,” he says with a red face. “My heart beats all fast when she sits next to me. She handed me a pencil, and when I touched her hand, I felt like my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. Can we watch another movie out the box?” he asks bashfully. I see the blush creeping up his neck.
“Oh, I see what this is. You think you’re in love, so you want to watch romance movies.”
“No, that’s not why I just want to spend time with you, and I know you don’t like all the new movies, you say they are all junk.”
“Okay, Casanova. Pick one and I will be right back.” I steady myself on my cane and make my way to the bathroom. I can’t wait till I can walk on my own again. I look at myself in the mirror. The bruises are long gone, the cuts on my face and neck have healed, and I can only see a trace of the really bad cuts that took the longest to heal. I have almost all my rotation and strength back in my arm, but my leg has a hard time keeping up. I still have to use the cane for most of my walking.
I make my way back to the living room, and MJ is laid out on the loveseat. I make my way to the sofa and lie down. I wait for the movie to start and smile—he picked a good one.
“A Love Story” finishes, and he sits up.
“I want to talk to my dad. Right now,” he says, walking to the phone.
I look at the clock. “MJ, it’s almost one in the morning. You can’t just call someone this late.”
“No, Mom, I need to talk to him right now. Please, I’m not sure why. It’s urgent.”
I stand up. “OK, let me call him.” I haven’t spoken to Michael since therapy. I make my way to the phone and wait. I hope he answers.
“Hello?” he answers in a sleepy voice.
“Michael, it’s Katie.”
“Is everything ok? Is MJ ok?”
“Yes, he wants to talk to you, can you please talk to him?” I hand the phone to MJ.
“Ok. I will. Ok. I love you too, Dad,” I hear MJ say. “He is coming to get me. I’m going to spend the night over there, is that ok?”
“MJ, you don’t have to ask me stay with your dad. Let me help you pack.”
Michael doesn’t come to the door when he gets here, he just texts me to have MJ come out.
Tomorrow is Saturday and Michael and I will be meeting at Dr. Franklin’s home office. I head to bed and am restless until I finally am too tired to keep my eyes open.
Chapter 20
MJ Blackwell
I know I shouldn’t say this, but both of my parents are dumbasses. I set up my parent trap, and it was working, but leave it to the two dummies to mess it up. I had almost given up hope as I watched my plan crumble from the sidelines. I’ve missed my dad the last couple weeks, but my mom will always have my loyalty. I’m glad they are working toward a relationship, but at this rate I will be eighteen by the time they get together. After movie night tonight I know exactly what I need to do.
“Dad,” I say once we are back at his place. “What are you doing to win Mom back? Sending her old movies isn’t really going to help.”
“I have a plan, and I’m working it out,” he says, and he makes his way to his bedroom.
“Listen. You need to have them show the movies in the park like when you were teenagers.”
I see the shock on my father’s face. “That is a great idea.”
I smile and think to myself, Of course it’s a great idea. Duhhhh.
Chapter 21
Katie
The look on my face must have been priceless. I see the boyish smile expand across Michael’s face.
“Katie Blackwell, I would like to take you on a date. However, we need to find a suitable chaperone.”
“We need a chaperone?” I ask, trying to hide my smile. I look to Dr. Franklin, who gives me a wink.
“Yes, I have asked your father for permission to court you, and now I’m telling you at the end of our courtship I hope you will agree to be my wife. There are five steps to
building a solid foundation, and I have completed three. I have asked your father for permission, I have shown you my intentions and feelings through actions, and I have purchased your ring. So, now I ask for you to have some chaperoned dates and let’s get to know each other again.”
“Yes, Michael, I would love to go on a date with you.”
“Can I please have Percy’s number so I can ask her to chaperone?”
“I can ask, Michael,” I say looking at Dr. Franklin, but she shakes her head no.
“No, Katie, I’m courting you, and it’s my job to take care of the arrangements.”
“Okay.” I text him Percy’s number, and we finish our therapy session. Michael is excused, and it’s just Dr. Franklin and me.
“What the hell is all that about?” I ask.
“Katie, you and Michael started your relationship young when your body was going through all kinds of crazy hormones. You started a potential relationship before you were ready, and then you were left to handle the consequences. Do you remember what you felt like back then?”
I nod my head. “I felt overwhelmed and helpless and most of all I felt scared.”
“Exactly, then you two reconcile and fall right back into the same pattern. You started another sexual relationship before you guys even addressed the issues of the first one. Courting gives you guys guidelines to follow. I’m pretty sure Michael is amazing in the sack, and that’s why you keep falling all over the place with your legs open, but do you want a roll in the hay or a lasting relationship? We accept the love we think we deserve. What do you deserve, Katie? Do you deserve to be some piece of ass or do you deserve to be cherished and loved.”
I let the words sink in. “I do deserve to be cherished and loved, and I should have waited for marriage the first time. I let my hormones and peer pressure change what I always believed.”
“Well, here is your chance to make things right. I’m like a fairy godmother; you get a do over so don’t waste it. Let Michael be the man, let him show you he values you. You’re a strong woman, Katie. Letting Michael set the pace doesn’t make you weak, it shows that you trust him and value his opinion as a partner. I gave Michael a list of rules to follow, and I’m going to write your list down. It’s simple.”
KEEP YOUR LEGS CLOSED
“Anytime Michael gives you that Kerrigan sexy smirk or that look that I’m sure makes your panties burst into flames, remember your rule. He can have it again on your wedding night not before.”
“I understand, and I’m going to follow the rules.”
“OK, now on to other things. I have spoken with Ian about your recovery. I know your arm is doing much better than your leg. I know he is pushing you, but I want you to know that you getting better is as much mental and physical. I want you to set realistic goals for yourself. I want you to surround yourself with people who will push you, not baby you and I want you to find a running coach.”
“I can’t run yet,” I remind her. “I can’t lift my leg all the time,” I say, looking at the cane on the side of the sofa.
“A running coach will start you on a walking program. I have spoken to Ian about it, and he feels it will help your morale to meet both small and large goals. If I had to ask you what your biggest goal would be, what do you think it is?”
I know what it is, but am too embarrassed to voice it out loud.
I close my eyes. “I want to marry Michael and walk down the aisle without a cane and without limping.”
“Awesome goal and completely achievable. Do everything you can to work on that goal.”
I still am not able to drive so I’m grateful to Percy for playing my personal chauffeur. She has been trying to get me to drive, but I’m still a little scared.
After therapy, we head toward town. I want to spend the day with her since MJ has informed me he is working on an important project with his Grandma Elena. I wanted to pick up a few things for gift baskets to say thank you to the substitute that has taken over my class and the principal for being so understanding. On the Res, community is everything, and when I was hurt everyone went out of their way to help me in any way they could. Percy and I decide on lunch and a pedicure. I usually don’t spend money on things for myself, but Percy has told me my feet look like they got mangled in machinery.
Suddenly, I’m filled with a sense of dread. I feel like I’m being watched, but when I look around, I don’t see anyone standing out. Percy and I continue shopping and then head out for lunch. Percy should be heading toward the Res, but she is going in the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” I ask
“Just sit tight. Jesus, girl, learn to relax a bit.” She pulls into the Mercedes dealership. When she parks, she looks at me.
“I’m not enabling you anymore, Katie. You need to drive; you can’t let the fear cripple you.”
I feel the tears welling up in my eyes. It’s not just the fear of driving, it’s the fear of dying, of leaving my family behind.
“Percy, it’s not that simple.” I try to explain.
“Get out of the car,” she says with no softness in her voice. “Michael ordered you a new car. It’s paid for. I was told to bring you here to pick it up. I’m giving you some tough love. You can call someone else to come get you, but I’m leaving you at this dealership.”
“Percy, please don’t do this,” I beg. I can feel the panic starting to take hold
“Katie—“ she closes her eyes and breathes out “—you’re the strongest person I have ever known. You can do this; I will even follow you home. I will be right behind you so if it becomes too much you can pull over, and we will have your dad come get the car. OK?” she asks.
“Can you leave your car here and ride with me? Please, Percy.”
“Yeah I can do that. Let’s see what ridiculous car Michael has bought you.”
“I’m not really ok with him buying me a car.”
“Hey, he’s got it. You didn’t ask for this. He is doing this because he loves you and wants you in something safe, and he wants his son in something safe. Don’t accept it for you, accept it for MJ.
I walk into the showroom and walk to the reception desk.
“Hello,” the friendly lady greets me.
“I’m here to pick up a vehicle,” I say as I see Percy off to the side rubbing her hands all over a new convertible.
“Your name please?” she asks politely.
“Katherine Blackwell.”
“Of course. Let me get the owner so he can have you sign the delivery paperwork.” I don’t even have time to walk over to Percy before I see a man coming out of an office.
“Hello, Miss Blackwell. Can I just have your license? If you will just fill out this one sheet and sign this, I will have the truck brought around, and the title should be sent to you in less than thirty days.”
I fill out the form and sign the bottom. I’m handed back my license and walk over to Percy.
“That was really simple,” I say
“Well, your baby daddy is part of a billion dollar family, not to mention I’m sure he isn’t hurting for money of his own. Everything in life is easier when you have money.”
“Don’t call him my baby daddy. It sounds horrible,” I say with a scowl on my face.
She shrugs her shoulders. “It is what is it is, sweet cheeks.”
I think back to what Dr. Franklin said, and I realized I don’t want to be Michael’s baby momma, I want to be his wife. So, I have one simple rule to follow: keep my legs closed.
“Holy shit, Katie,” I hear Percy say next to me. “Michael was not playing around.”
When I look up, I see they have pulled up a brand new Mercedes truck. It’s black with a tan interior.
“It’s beautiful,” I say to Percy.
“It’s the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450,” I hear the owner of the dealership say behind me. “We had to have it shipped in,” he says, handing me the keys. “If you need anything else at all, Miss Blackwell, please don’t hesitate to call me di
rectly. We have a wonderful relationship with the Kerrigan family. We just had a truck similar to this delivered to Stacy Kerrigan,” he says with a proud smile. “And both Kennedy and Estelle have a similar model; it’s known for its safety rating.”
“Thank you much,” I say. He shakes my hand and returns to the building.
I get into the driver’s seat and adjust my seat and mirrors. Percy gets into the passenger seat and buckles her seat belt.
“Don’t rush it, Katie. When you’re ready.”
I pull forward and feel myself relax. The accident wasn’t my fault. I was careful. I’m not a bad driver. I pull to the exit of the dealership and pull onto the road
“See, it’s like riding a bike. How are you feeling?” Percy asks
‘”I’m feeling really good.” It’s been a long time since I have driven, and I finally feel like I have some of my independence back. I don’t have to rely on anyone for a ride anymore.
It’s not long before I pull into my driveway and sit back for a moment.
“Thanks, Percy. Thanks for not letting me stay scared and for always being there for me through thick and thin. You are the best friend I have ever had, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I know I’m being selfish, but please tell me you’re staying here; we have really missed you these last couple of years.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m happy working for Stephanie; Ian and I are in a good place—it’s new, but I see something amazing there—and I’m done running from the pain. When I heard about your accident, it was a wake-up call. Family is the most important thing to me. My mom would have been really disappointed that I left like I did.”
“No, she wouldn’t have. You needed to find your own way; you needed to find out what was important to you.”
We say our goodbyes, and I hobble into my house. Today had taken a lot out of me. I hear my phone ringing on the bottom of my purse.
“Hello?” I say, trying to keep myself from falling over.
“Hello, Katie. I am calling to ask if you would like to go out to dinner on Wednesday. Percy and Ian are going to come with us. My mom is taking MJ to the town hall meeting with her on Wednesday, and that doesn’t end until about eight p.m. so I thought we could have an early dinner around six, if that’s ok.”