It was late by the time we finished. Kylie had fallen asleep on Radha’s bed, her updo half-undone.
“Kylie has to go to school tomorrow,” I told Micki as I lifted my daughter. “But I’ll be at the funeral home early. I took off work.”
“I’ll bring the lipstick,” she said, wiping a tear from under her eye. “She looked so pretty in it.”
CHAPTER 24
I thought it would be spooky, sitting in a back room of a funeral parlor, applying makeup to a dead woman’s skin, but it was oddly peaceful. Bernie’s pixie face didn’t need much enhancement in life, and it still retained its beauty in death. I brushed her silver cap of hair and applied the lipstick Radha had chosen for her, what suddenly seemed like a very long time ago. The white satin dress Micki had given her wrapped around her body like an embrace.
“You’re beautiful,” I whispered to Bernie, and then kissed her forehead. “Reggie would absolutely agree. I hope you’re together now, happy and toasting each other at the greatest wedding ever.”
“She’s a vision,” Micki said when she joined me. “Let’s sit with her a moment. We’ve got a little time.”
She took my hand. “You know, Bernie didn’t have much. There was a reverse mortgage on that house.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” I said, still saddened by the evidence of the financial instability of Bernie’s final years.
“What she did have, she left to me, to use as I see fit,” Micki continued. “I’m not going to cash that check you gave me. Use the money. I can pay myself back now and tackle that loan.”
“I don’t know,” I said. “It feels weird to say yes.”
“It shouldn’t,” she continued. “You know, Bernie was heartsick about accidentally giving Kylie that candy. This is absolutely what she would want done with her money. If we could make Kylie better, we are all for the better. Consider it a public service.”
“Thank you,” I said, and kissed her cheek. “And thank you too,” I said to Bernie.
The wake was not well attended, but those who showed up had enough goodwill for a roomful of people. The library ladies oohed and aahed over the photo display, commenting on how much Bernie hadn’t changed over the years. A few customers from The Not-So-Blushing-Bride came by to pay their respects, all of them shedding a tear. Heather showed up with Melvin.
“I’m just so sorry,” he said. “I wish I could have done a better job.”
“You did just fine,” I said. “You can honestly say you tried your best. I don’t know if I believe everyone has a time to go, but she had ninety years on this planet. We have to be grateful for that, right?”
He gave me a hug and moved on to Micki.
Heather clung to me, sniffling. “I’m really going to miss her. I hope she haunts the shop.”
“You know she will,” I said. “She’s probably already totally nosy about what’s going on with you and Melvin.”
Heather pulled back and grinned sheepishly. “Not much yet. We’re taking it slow. But he’s really nice, and really, truly bald, and I don’t even mind!”
As Heather moved down the row, I noticed my mom walk in, holding Kylie’s hand until Kylie broke free, running for Radha, who wore a black sari. Mom stopped at the photo display and studied it.
“Where did you find all of these?” she asked when I approached. “I didn’t see anything more personal than a hairbrush in that house.”
“I only found four. The rest of these are Micki’s personal photos.”
Mom moved a little closer to the poster board. “Her family then.”
“Yes,” I said, swallowing the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat, “and mine, in a way.”
She nodded, scrutinizing each photo, a grim look on her face. “Are you up here?”
I pointed to the photo of Micki holding me. Mom looked at it for a very long time.
“That baby there”—my mom’s voice had grown hoarse—“that’s . . . you before you were mine?”
“It is me. Can you see the look on my face? I’m waiting for something. I was waiting for you.”
She stood there, still and immovable as a redwood tree. Some other people got in line, waited a moment, then moved around us when they saw we weren’t going anywhere. Tears ran down Mom’s cheeks, and she swiped at them.
“I just love you so much,” she finally said. “It’s in me to fight anything that gets in the way of that love.”
“I know, Mom.” I hugged her for a moment, fiercely and tightly. “But you don’t have to fight that battle because nothing ever will.”
Then, with shaking hands, my mom peeled the photo of me from the board, and strode over to Micki.
“This is you,” she demanded. “This woman holding my girl?”
“Yes,” she said. “That’s me. Holding Ally. Loving her. It broke my heart when Cissy gave her away, and it never mended. It’s still broken. I’ll be grateful for the rest of my life that she ended up with a mother who loves her as much as you do. My sister would feel the same.”
Mom studied the photo one more time. She looked from it to Micki. “I can see Ally in you. She was a pistol when she was little, so full of energy. When she gave hugs, she held me like a vice with her chubby little arms. She had so much love to give. Still does.”
“We’ll take the extra love,” Micki said quickly. “When there’s too much.”
Mom’s smile had some warmth in it. “Micki Patel, I would like to get to know you and your husband and daughter, if that’s still all right. Maybe we can have dinner occasionally or—”
“Oh, Sophie!” Micki said, throwing her arms around her. “It’s more than all right! It’s the way things should be.”
When we got home that night, Mom and I tucked Kylie in. She had a headache, so I put a cool washcloth on her forehead and held her until she fell asleep. When I grabbed my laptop and headed for the reading bench, I noticed Mom sitting in the kitchen, sipping coffee, even though it would probably keep her up.
“I didn’t know Bernie for all that long, but sometimes that doesn’t matter,” she said. “You know when someone is good people. I think Micki is good people too. I knew it, but I needed to sort things out in my head. You have to give people time to do that, Ally, okay? Life is not always on your timetable.”
She was right, and I told her so. I just didn’t know if, at this point, it could change my need for instant gratification.
“Don’t give me that look, honey. You take action, and sometimes that’s good. But you’ve got to let other people catch up, or even stand back if they want to.”
I kissed my mom on her cheek, and she reached up and grabbed my shoulder. My mom’s hugs were awkward, but they were hers, and they meant something. “You’re pretty smart,” I said. “I’ll give you that.”
After she turned in, I opened my laptop, eager to search the forums for parents whose kids had any kind of reaction while in the middle of desensitization treatment. I came up with very little, so I decided to check Facebook. The first post in my feed was from the District 168 parents group:
Vera Pastorelli: Polls close in an hour! Get your vote in! Who will it be? Cassie Flores? Sawyer McMurphy? Ally Anderson?
Shit! With my mind so focused on Bernie, I’d forgotten the school board election was today. The post was from three hours ago. Not only hadn’t I voted for myself, I hadn’t voted at all.
Bree Nguyen: Go, Cassie, go!!! Get out there, people, and vote for the best candidate—Cassie!! If you can have the best, you can forget the rest!
Jane Sturgeon: Are we even allowed to do that, moderator? Campaigning in this thread seems a little unfair. This is an informational thread, is it not?
Sawyer McMurphy: I’d just like to say that, informationally, it’s an honor my name is on the ballot.
Cole Flounders: There are paper ballots, correct? Should we be concerned about hacking?
Vera Pastorelli: Rest easy, Cole. Rest easy.
I went directly to the District 168 page and re
freshed.
Vera Pastorelli: We have a winner! Cassie Flores is the newest school board member for District 168. Congratulations, Cassie. There will be a potluck reception tomorrow in the school gym at 6:30 p.m. Please note what you will bring in this thread.
Cole Flounders: Vegan mock beef stew.
Shannon Washington: Brownies. And not the fun kind. Sorry!
Elliot Grossman: I don’t cook, so I’ll bring plates and napkins. They’re biodegradable.
Jane Sturgeon: Why does every event have to center around eating and drinking? If you stop and think about it for a moment, this is almost a group psychosis.
Bree Nguyen: I’ll bring red, white, and blue cupcakes displayed like an American flag. If I would have thought of it, I would have ordered cookie cutters in the shape of Cassie’s face. I saw them on Pinterest, and it occurred to me to buy them because—let’s face it, we all knew Cassie was our gal—but I forgot. So stupid, right?
Vera Pastorelli: Cupcakes are fine, Bree.
Sawyer McMurphy: Not gonna lie—I’m bummed. But kudos to you, Cassie. In your honor, I’ll bring some homemade hard wheat crackers and a nice aged cheddar.
Bree Nguyen: Is that some kind of a dig, Sawyer? Because if it is, I think it’s immature and ungracious.
Sawyer McMurphy: You don’t like aged cheddar cheese?
Bree Nguyen: Unbelievable.
Cassie Flores: I humbly accept this position of responsibility! My heartfelt thanks for everyone who voted for me. I look forward to celebrating the bright future of District 168 tomorrow evening. I will bring the sparkling grape juice!
Paul Matthewson: If you’re bringing nonalcoholic juice, I vote Shannon makes the fun kind of brownies.
Cole Flounders: Drug jokes are never funny, Paul. Ever. Moderator?
I had to respond. My disappointment didn’t belong in this thread—that was for me to grapple with. Cassie won fairly.
Ally Anderson: Congrads, Casie.
Oh, for the love of—
Ally Anderson: I meant, “Congrats, Cassie.” And I’ll bring a treat for Riker.
CHAPTER 25
“I voted for Riker,” Sawyer said.
We sat together on folding chairs, balancing plates of food on our laps and sipping the mouth-numbingly sweet sparkling grape juice. Cassie had brought a case.
“I didn’t vote for anyone,” I said. I tried to come across as flippant, but I still felt bad about flaking out on my civic duty. Deep down, I thought there might be a chance I’d cause an upset and win the election. I still felt I had something to offer, even if I wasn’t the best and the brightest. I had energy and passion for my cause, and that meant something.
“I thought we could go to Paint a Pot for our first date,” Sawyer said through a mouthful of cheese. “The girls would probably like that.”
“Perfect,” I said. Actually, it sounded really nice, and he was right—Kylie would love it.
“Speech!” Bree yelled. “Speech!”
Vera Pastorelli stood up. She wore a teal baseball hat bedazzled with Dist. 168 on the brim. “Everyone, I’d like to introduce the newest member of our esteemed school board, Cassie Flores!”
Cassie, wearing a bright-red suit, shook hands with the current board members, all seated in the front row. Matt hovered nearby with Riker, one hand firmly on his leash. He looked on proudly as Cassie moved through the crowd.
Was he falling in love with her? Strangely, the thought didn’t send my insides roiling. Instead, I sent a wish into the universe that if he chose Cassie, they’d be happy together, for their sake and for Kylie’s.
“Thank you,” Cassie said when the applause quieted down. “I feel it’s important for me to reiterate that I am a servant to the community. My goal is to improve the lives for all of the district’s children. If anyone has suggestions or ideas, I’m always open to them. My email address is on the district website.”
I could hear the sincerity in her voice. Cassie meant what she said. Everything else aside, she’d clearly expressed her desire to serve the families of our district. Sawyer and I had the same instincts, but they were muddled by a lack of preparation. I might not like Cassie, but I was inspired by her—she took action (like me), but she also thought through the implications of her actions (not so much like me, but it could be).
I thought for a moment. Really thought. Then, I quickly wrote a mental shopping list. Remember, you have something valuable to offer! Think this through!
I passed my plate to Sawyer and stood up. “I’d like to make a suggestion.”
“Seriously?” Bree said. “Already?”
Cassie turned her laser-like focus to me. “Yes?”
“I wanted to be a member of the school board because I wanted to make some positive changes for kids with allergies,” I said, feeling my palms begin to sweat. “Your goal was to make improvements for all kids, which tells me you’re the right person to be standing there, not me. However, I’d like to submit my application for the role of allergy liaison. We need someone who understands the unique needs of kids whose allergies put them at varying levels of risk. I’ve given a lot of thought about how we can mitigate that risk. Will you give me a chance?”
Cole Flounders stood up. “There is no position of allergy liaison. How can you apply for something that doesn’t exist?”
Cassie ignored him. “Would you call yourself an expert?”
“I’d call myself an obsessed mother of a kid who suffers from anaphylaxis. So . . . same difference. When you’re that worried, you become an expert.”
Vera took over. “Cassie, as an official board member, you can call an emergency meeting. We could vote on this issue tonight.”
The other board members glanced nervously at each other. They were probably worried they wouldn’t make it home to watch Jimmy Kimmel.
“Then I call an emergency meeting,” Cassie said. “Let’s vote on establishing this new position.”
The board members filed out, one by one. We all helped ourselves to second helpings. I was stuffing my face with some fine aged cheddar when Matt approached, Riker eyeing my plate.
“Did you just think of that right now,” Matt said, “or did you plan that before you came?”
“I had some vague stirrings before I walked in the door, but sitting there . . . I thought it through. I did. I know it sounds kind of crazy, but I don’t think it is.”
Matt said, “I don’t think it is either.”
“Thanks.”
“By the way, I’m starting to gain more confidence about resuming Kylie’s treatment,” he continued. “I’ve done my own research, and though I’m not entirely convinced, I think her chances might be good. I’d like to be there for the next few trips to Dr. Indigo’s. It’ll help me feel like I have some kind of control over the situation.”
“You won’t run out of the office this time?”
He smiled. “I won’t.”
Riker nuzzled his head against my leg. “Well, look at that,” I said. “I calmed the dog.”
The board members filed back in after about fifteen minutes, settling back in their seats. Cassie remained standing.
“In my first vote as a member of the school board,” she began, drawing it out a little to increase the anticipation, “I voted to establish the position of allergy liaison. This person will inform the school board of concerns related to safety and quality of life issues related to allergy sufferers.”
“Will it be an elected position?” Cole asked.
Cassie shook her head. “It’s appointed. We’ve decided Ms. Anderson is perfect for the job.”
“Who’s Ms. Anderson?” I heard someone say.
“I am,” I said.
“Don’t sit down right away,” Sawyer said. “Just revel in being awesome for a moment.”
I did allow myself to feel awesome. The feeling was both foreign and oddly familiar, and it was coming from deep inside. It was part of me.
And I didn’t need a DNA test to tell me that.
Personality Test results for ALLY!
ALLY, you are 68% FEARLESS WARRIOR!
Things might not always go your way, but you take on every challenge with courage and ingenuity. You don’t just live on the edge, you thrive on it! You are a FEARLESS WARRIOR, Personality Type 1. Remember to use your powers for good—take action when your heart demands it, but keep in mind that your brain is your most effective weapon! For more information on how to make the most of your personality type, ALLY, click on the link below.
CHAPTER 26
One Year Later
I kicked at the door to Dr. Indigo’s. The patchouli scent was comforting today, enveloping us in the familiar. And we needed familiar, because the territory we were entering was anything but. It was a new life.
Dr. Indigo appeared, a vision in a gold sari, made to her measurements by Aunt Micki. “Welcome,” she said, sweeping her arms in a dramatic fashion. “Please file into my office and form a circle. Kylie, please stand in the center.”
We filed in—Kylie, Matt, Mom, Aunt Micki, Uncle Sandeep, Radha, Heather. My family. Cassie, Sawyer, and Melvin rounded out the group.
The office glowed with lit candles.
“Today is a very special day,” Dr. Indigo intoned. “One we’ve been waiting for. Are you ready to calm the dog, Kylie?”
Kylie nodded. She stood bravely, back straight, taking deep breaths. She wore her own sari, white with a rainbow-striped sash. “I can do it,” she said. “I can calm the dog.”
Dr. Indigo took a small blue box from her desk. Inside, nestled in a velvet lining, was a single peanut. With great fanfare she held out the box and stood in front of Kylie, who had her palm outstretched. “Everyone standing in this room loves you, no matter what happens today. There is no failure, only more steps to take if this doesn’t work.” Dr. Indigo considered everyone in the circle. “Taking turns, I want everyone to say something supportive to Kylie. It will send the positive vibrational energy through the roof. Let’s start with you”—she pointed at Radha—“and work our way around.”
The Other Family Page 25