“Oh…”
“It’s still pretty new. You can use it for a lot of things, maybe even write about this unique experience you’re about to have. And…we could keep in touch through e-mail…if you want to.”
“It was very nice of you, and…of course I want to keep in touch. The funny thing is, I don’t even have an e-mail.”
“Oh, well they’re free and very easy to get.”
“I’ll have Benny set it up for me.” Lucy took Kyle’s note and added it to her stack of lists. “He’s kind of a computer geek, which will work out great if I have any problems while we’re on the road.”
With surprise in his voice, Kyle said, “You mean Benny is going with you?” He leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his sandy locks.
Lucy didn’t pick up on Kyle’s disappointment and was inexperienced when it came to male jealousy. “Yeah, he offered. My car’s kind of a dud, so it’s much safer.”
Not wanting to sound like a jerk, he replied, “Right, that does make sense.”
A screeching halt in the conversation, followed by an awkward silence, prompted Lucy to say, “Well, I’m leaving in three days, so I guess I’ll…send you an e-mail from the road.”
Suddenly, a short, plump female popped her head into Kyle’s office, and he held up a finger to buy some time. “Lucy…I just wanted to say that I had a really great time with you last week, and I know we didn’t have much of a chance to get to know each other…” the woman caught her cue and bowed out with an apologetic wave, “…but I hope we can do that when you get back.”
Lucy didn’t let her voice reveal her smile. “I hope so too. And thanks again for the computer.”
“Bye, Lucy.”
And she was gone.
Kyle leaned forward on his desk and tried to dissect the conversation. There was no sense in worrying about when he would see Lucy, or if she’d come back, or even about Benny. His only choice was to wait and hope that the magic of the Internet would keep them connected.
This one definitely caught Lucy by surprise. It was a smart move on Kyle’s part. He knew Lucy didn’t like to talk on the phone much. He also knew she wasn’t very open with her feelings, and most people tend to express more in writing. She had to give him props for thinking of that one. On the other hand, writing wasn’t really Lucy’s thing either. Her sister Katie was the one who liked to write. Lucy’s outlet for how she was feeling was her artwork. When things went her way, which was not too often, her paintings were bright and beautiful. If she felt down or lonely or frustrated, her creations were dark and sad. But Kyle didn’t know her well enough yet to figure that one out.
Lucy pulled out one of her lists and reached across the counter to snag a pen. At the top in all caps she wrote: GET E-MAIL.
CHAPTER 19
Rick drummed on the steering wheel and bobbed his head while belting out a Scorpions hit from his favorite CD. His serenades never got old to Katie. She sat in the passenger seat with her feet up on the dash as Carly giggled in the backseat. Rick beamed and glanced between the road, Katie, and the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of his other favorite girl. Any onlooker would say this family was returning from the beach or a fun family gathering, and not another arduous trip to the doctor’s office.
“Come on, girls, sing it with me.” Rick sang along, hamming it up as usual, and when the girls tried to join him, he obnoxiously sang louder. Katie laughed and wiggled her pink painted toenails.
Always the hero, Rick knew when Katie needed a laugh…or a hug, or whatever it happened to be at that time. He was always very in tune to her, and actually to females in general. Although he was truly a guy’s guy, he was also very comfortable in a woman’s world. In school, he always noticed when girls got a haircut, or he would compliment them on a new blouse. Sometimes he even helped them with their boyfriend issues. Thankfully, most of them took it as flirty and not feminine.
“Why don’t we have family movie night tonight?” Rick suggested cheerfully. It was a tradition they started when Carly was almost three. They put a big blanket in front of the TV and ate dinner on it while watching a movie. The older she got, the better the movies got. Both Rick and Katie were relieved to be out of the Winnie the Pooh stage.
“Yeah,” Carly squealed from the backseat. “Can we, Mommy?”
“I guess so.” Katie turned to the side to face Carly. “First you have to finish making that card for Papa’s birthday.”
Carly folded her arms and cocked her head to the side. “Mommy…do you think I would forget my special Papa?”
Katie and Rick exchanged glances and held in their snorts.
“Of course not, sweetie. I was just making sure.”
Rick pulled into the driveway, avoiding the paper that was still flattened to the ground after he ran over it on the way out that morning. They had slept in and didn’t get to their usual routine of trading the paper sections. Rick liked the sports section, of course, and Katie always started with the local section. The problem was that many times the “Back Page,” a section that had interesting tidbits from around the world, was on the back of the sports page. So Rick would try to hurry and finish reading all the stats before Katie finished reading about the schools and communities.
“I’ll get her,” Rick said as he hopped out and slammed his door. He opened the back door to Carly already freeing herself from the seatbelt. She greeted him like they had just been reunited and attached herself like a spider to his body. They had grown so close. She had become so attached to him with all of Katie’s medical problems. That both comforted and upset Katie. She couldn’t have been more thankful for the bond they were forming, but at the same time, she was jealous that Carly wanted Rick more and more. Her friends told her that it was just a phase, that most kids cling to one parent at some point. “Alright, you freeloader…ride’s over.” Rick started to lean over to put Carly down. Her arms and legs were locked around him.
“Carry me in, Daddy.”
Rick walked up the cement path where Katie was waiting up ahead.
“Got your keys?” Rick shrugged as if he had no choice. He rubbed his free hand across Katie’s shoulder to let her know he understood her feelings.
Katie reached in her purse, pulled out a set of keys, and stuck one in the door. Walking into her home was always a pleasure. It was her sanctuary. When she returned there, it meant things were good, or at least better because she was home and not at the hospital. She set her keys and purse on a small antique desk at the entry. Above hung a decorative mirror she used to have in her bedroom growing up. It was one of the few furnishings she took with her when she left. Rick could see her reflection, but he didn’t need it to know that she was not enjoying her usual homecoming.
“Why don’t you be a big girl and go to the den to pick out our movie for tonight?”
Carly released her grip and took advantage of the opportunity. “Any one I want?” Carly looked up with a mouthful of teeth and gums.
“Any one,” Rick replied.
“Yay!” She did a little celebratory dance and ran out of the room.
Rick and Katie both walked into the living room and sat down on a big beige couch that puffed up when you sat on it. Katie leaned on one arm and tucked her legs up and to the side. Rick wasn’t ready to get comfortable yet and leaned his elbows on his knees.
“You know how much she loves you, don’t you?” His voice was soft, and he watched her face for the answer.
Katie’s smile let Rick know that it was something else that was upsetting her. “Of course I do.”
“Alright then, spill it.”
“What?”
“I know something else is wrong.”
“I don’t know…”
Rick fell back against the couch and jumped into place right next to Katie. His light brown eyes stared right into hers as if he were reading her mind.
“Well I do.” With one hand behind her head holding it in place, he transported the information from her mi
nd to his. “You’re nervous about seeing your sister coming.” His confident smile sang triumph.
Katie closed her eyes and tilted her head forward until their foreheads touched. “It’s not just that.”
“Then what?”
“The whole thing is just too weird.” She lowered her head further and leaned it on his shoulder. “I haven’t even spoken to her, and I don’t know how she feels about doing this.”
“What do you mean? She wants to do it or she wouldn’t be going through all of this.”
“You know that’s not true. Maybe she feels obligated. Maybe she’s still mad at me and that’s why she hasn’t returned my calls.”
“First of all, who cares! This is only your life we’re talking about.”
“Rick!”
“What? If she’s still upset, she’ll get over it eventually. But I bet she wouldn’t get over losing you.” Rick popped up and went over to a black end table where a portable phone sat. “Secondly, I say we take care of this mystery right now.” He swiped the phone from its station and glided back to the couch, gently placing the phone in her lap on the way.
Katie shrugged and picked imaginary lint from the sofa. “I don’t know…maybe I shouldn’t push her.”
“Chicken.”
“I am not.” She pulled her hair together in a bunch and tied it in a bun. “I guess I just feel bad…for blaming so many things on her and then just leaving. I was so wrong…about everything.”
“Hey, you were just a confused kid.”
“I was a brat.”
“Was?” Rick displayed his poker face, then readied himself for the blow Katie would surely deliver.
Katie let him off the hook this time and sat still, staring at the phone. “The thing that makes it so hard—that makes this so confusing—is that I’m not sure about a lot of things. You know how when you’re a little kid and you remember some place a certain way and then when you go back it’s nothing like you pictured?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, my whole life kind of seems like that. I try to remember my mother and Lucy, and things that happened, and now that I’m older…some of those memories seem different.” Katie touched her fingertip to the corner of her eye, attempting to stop the flow that would certainly come. “Why do I have to deal with this now? I almost wish…I wish that it wasn’t…”
“That is wasn’t Lucy?”
“Is that wrong?” Katie used her sleeve to dab at the tears before they made it down her face.
Rick put his arm around Katie and smiled. “It’s not wrong to be scared. But you can’t put this off any longer. She’ll be here in less than a week, and it will be even more awkward if you wait until then to talk. Now, I’m going to go keep my other little girl busy…” Rick’s voice changed into his baby talk voice, “and you’re going to be a big girl and call your sister.”
Katie laughed and slapped Rick’s behind as he got up from the couch. Then she started punching in numbers on the phone. Her heart raced and her stomach sank as two rings went by. Then…
“Hello?”
“Lucy…it’s me, Katie.”
CHAPTER 20
Benito Enrique Garcia grew up with five brothers. He was number four, and he’d always hoped for a sister. Benny reflected on that wish and came to the conclusion that he must have been muy loco. After loading what he thought was the last of the suitcases, bags, pillows, et cetera, into his Dodge Durango, he suddenly spotted Anne walking up with a small piece of luggage. Her long hair was wrapped into a bun at the back of her head, and she wore beige knee-length shorts with a light blue strappy top. The weather was getting warmer each day. Texas would be even hotter, so Anne was prepared with lots of cute, summery outfits.
“Ah, c’mon, you’re killing me, girl!”
Anne shrugged and gave a closed-mouth grin. “I promise this is it.” She handed Benny the bag and walked back toward the stairs to the apartment, leaving Benny mumbling to himself and trying to rearrange the load that was already too much.
“I got like one bag here. What else do you girls need besides some underwear, T-shirts, and jeans?” In fact, that was Benny’s uniform. Hot or cold, it didn’t matter. He set the bag in the back on top of a black vinyl suitcase. When he turned and saw that Anne was already on her way back up the stairs, he yelled, “No problem, I got this!” He closed the back and continued to talk to himself. “I guess I’m not just the chauffer, but the butler too. I wonder what else these little niñas mimadas will get me to do.” Deep down he wasn’t really mad, though he figured it wouldn’t be the last time he would call them spoiled brats. But he was actually looking forward to spending some time getting to know these girls and visiting with the cousins he rarely got to see. Benny also felt proud. He was going to take care of Lucy and Anne. He hadn’t had a chance for his own family yet, so having this experience really meant something to him.
With the car ready and a schedule to keep, Benny headed back up to Lucy’s to get the girls. It was just about noon, and the three had agreed to grab some lunch on the way out. Luckily everyone was in the mood for Mexican. Benny was always in the mood for Mexican, and his favorite stop-in place was just down the road. “Where’s Anne?” He threw his hands in the air. “We gotta get a move on, chiquitas!”
“She was crying,” Lucy answered. “She went back to her aunt’s.”
“She’s still going, right?”
“I guess so.” Lucy looked around the room, as if surveying the room and its contents. Her black leggings stretched to just below her knees and were covered by a long, but tight-fitting green shirt.
Benny sensed her uneasiness and walked over to her. He put an arm around her shoulder and gave one big squeeze. “What about you, Lucita? You gonna be okay?”
“Of course. Just making sure I took care of everything.”
“So you’re feeling alright with this, and you got everything you need?”
Benny knew Lucy had mixed feelings, but she didn’t acknowledge the question. Maybe because she didn’t know how she felt. The whole thing was just crazy to begin with. And now she’d agreed to let these two, whom she was just getting to know, join her on this peculiar mission. She released herself from Benny’s grasp, picked up her purse from the couch, and walked toward the door. “Let’s get Anne so we can go.”
They both walked outside and paused for a moment for Lucy to lock her door. They could see down the hall, Anne in the doorway hugging Mrs. Allen. “Will you go already,” Mrs. Allen chirped. “You’re just being silly now. I’m going to be fine.” Mrs. Allen craned her neck to see past Anne. “Will you two please tell her that I’m not an invalid?” Her white splotchy ankles peeked from beneath her faded blue housecoat.
Lucy and Benny walked down to Mrs. Allen’s door. “C’mon, girl, your auntie’s going to be just fine.” Benny put a hand on the back of Anne’s shoulder blades. “You should see what she does when you’re not around. This girl is over here lifting weights and doing push-ups.” Anne giggled, and Lucy smiled and then checked her cell phone for the time. “I saw her through the window,” Benny added.
“Okay, but call me if you need anything,” Anne warned. “I mean it, anything.”
“Right, right,” Mrs. Allen answered, then moved backward into her apartment and started to shut the door. “Goodness, at least I’ll enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. Now you three be careful on the road.” Mrs. Allen was always grateful for the time she had with Anne, but she was even more thankful that Anne was taking some time for herself. Between working at the family shop, going to school, and then helping her out, Anne didn’t seem to have much time for fun. Ever since she started spending time with Lucy and Benny, that had started to change, so this trip seemed like a perfect idea. Mrs. Allen would be fine.
“We will,” both Anne and Benny answered together as all three began walking down the hall to the stairwell.
Worrying about who sat where was not a problem. Lucy offered to sit in the back. This way she could avoid small
talk, bury herself in her music, or use her new laptop. Not that she would already be e-mailing Kyle, but she could find something to keep her busy. And maybe Kyle was right. It might help her to write in a journal.
Except for the one at work, it had been a while since Lucy used a computer. Two nights before she had Benny set up the e-mail account and show her how to use it. It was actually quite entertaining for Lucy to watch. When Benny was at a computer, it was like he was a pianist with ADHD. He was always tapping his foot or jiggling his leg, and when he wasn’t typing, he was tapping his index finger somewhere on the keyboard. He said he learned everything from one of his older brothers who had some kind of major computer technology job. Benny could have gone on the same path. He had the talent and the opportunity but not the motivation. Laughing, meeting people, entertaining—that’s what drove Benny. That’s probably what attracted most people to Benny as well, including Lucy.
“Did you hear from Kevin yet?” Benny inquired sarcastically.
Lucy closed the laptop and leaned forward. “Will you stop calling him that? You know his name.” She sank back into her seat and stared at the mini Lakers basketball hanging from the rearview mirror. “And just so you know, I wasn’t checking that.”
“Will you leave her alone?” Anne slapped Benny on the arm. “What, are you jealous or something?”
Lucy looked up into the rearview mirror and locked in on Benny looking back at her. She was searching for the answer in his eyes, but he looked away too abruptly. It hadn’t dawned on her before. He had been giving her extra attention lately, but she thought it was just his way and that he felt bad for her. God, this could be really awkward, she thought to herself, staring out the window. And then she remembered that time in the car, when she had cried on Benny’s shoulder. Things did feel a little…intense between them. She had felt a connection, but there was no way she was going to acknowledge it, especially at that moment.
“No!” Benny reached up and clicked on the stereo. Each of the three had brought their own favorites for the trip and agreed to take turns making selections. “Alright you two, I’m going to pick first,” he said, completely changing the subject. “Let’s start with some Lenny. Here, check this out,” Benny said as he handed Anne the Lenny Kravitz CD.
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