Destination Unknown

by Amy Clipston

  “I have to leave and go straight to work after the service,” he said. “I normally don’t work on Sundays, but my boss called last night. We’re having a big sale, and they need the extra help.”

  My hopes of having lunch with Taylor evaporated.

  “I’ll see if any of our favorite books are on sale,” Taylor continued. “With my discount, I can get them for next to nothing.”

  “Oh.” I picked up my purse from the pew beside me. “Can I give you some money?”

  He shook his head. “Do you honestly think I’d offer to pick up a book for you and then ask for money?”

  “I didn’t know … if … you know,” I stammered.

  His mother leaned over him. “Taylor asked me to make you some chocolate-chip cookies last night.”

  “Mom …” Taylor turned to his mother. “You weren’t supposed to tell her.”

  “What?” His mother gave him an innocent expression. “You said you were going to bring her some cookies for old time’s sake.”

  “That was supposed to be a surprise.”

  I tried to hide my smile by glancing down at the bulletin.

  Pastor Keith began the service, and we all stood for the opening song. I was reaching for a hymnal when Taylor touched my hand.

  “Share with me.” His voice was soft and warm.

  “Thanks.”

  As the service went on, I enjoyed sharing Taylor’s hymnal and sitting close to him. I wished the service would never end.

  During the last hymn, I glanced over at my parents and Logan across the aisle and met my mother’s eyes. I smiled at her, and she sent a forced smile back to me. I hoped my mother would be pleasant when I introduced her to Taylor’s family.

  When the service ended, I reached past Taylor and touched his mother’s arm. “Mrs. Martinez, I’d like you to meet my family.”

  Maria nodded. “I would like that.”

  My parents and Logan stepped out into the aisle, and I motioned for them to join us.

  “Mom, Dad, Logan, I’d like you to meet Taylor’s family.” I gestured toward them. “Mrs. Martinez and Vanessa, this is my mom and dad, Chuck and Darlene Richards, and my little brother, Logan. Mom, Dad, and Logan, this is Mrs. Martinez and Vanessa.”

  “Nice to meet you.” My father shook Maria’s hand and then nodded at Vanessa. One of the ushers called out Dad’s name, and Dad excused himself before going to talk to him.

  Logan asked Vanessa about middle school, and they fell into a conversation.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” My mom gave Maria her most phony smile. “Whitney has a lot of nice things to say about you.”

  “Thank you,” Maria said. “Call me Maria. Whitney has been so very nice to my children. Vanessa is truly enjoying the cheerleading lessons. I could never afford to put Vanessa in the recreational league, so I can’t tell you how much I appreciate her generosity. From what I hear, your Whitney is quite talented.”

  “Oh yes.” Mom puffed up like a bird. “We put her in gymnastics when she was three, and then she moved on to cheerleading in elementary school. You should see all of the trophies and medals in her room.”

  “Mom …” I wished she’d stop bragging. I looked at Taylor, and he grinned.

  “You must be so proud.” Maria’s expression was genuine, and I was relieved the bragging hadn’t offended her.

  “Whitney has mentioned you work long hours.” Mom folded her arms over her expensive suit jacket.

  “I do.” Maria nodded.

  “What do you do?”

  “I’m a housekeeper. I work in a hotel and then do some side jobs when I can.” Maria touched Taylor’s shoulder. “You do what you can when it comes to your kids.”

  “Oh yes.” My mother gave an emphatic nod. “You do your best and try to get them everything they need.” She moved her eyes toward the hallway. “Oh, there’s Lorraine. I need to catch her to discuss the next ladies’ luncheon. It was a pleasure meeting you. You have a good day.”

  “Oh yes. You too.” After Mom left, Maria turned to me. “Your parents are awfully nice.”

  “Thank you.” I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, wondering if she was being sincere. I hoped she couldn’t see right through my mother’s phony exterior.

  We followed the crowd out into the hallway beyond the sanctuary.

  “Well, I need to run.” Taylor said good-bye to his mother and sister and then touched my arm. “The mall opens soon, and I have to be there on time.”

  “Oh.” I looked up at him. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “That would be nice.”

  We walked together out to his motorcycle, which was waiting patiently at the front of the parking lot.

  “I’m glad you came to church.”

  “Yeah. I am too. I’ll see you later.” He rubbed my arm. “I’ll see if I can find us any books to share.”

  “Great.” I studied his expression and suddenly hoped he would kiss me. I wondered if he had any of the same strong feelings for me, but I also wondered if I was just being foolish. “I hope it’s not too busy at work.”

  “Oh, I don’t mind busy days.” He shrugged. “Being busy makes the time fly by. Maybe I’ll get the chance to catch up with you later. I managed to finish all of my homework last night. Do you have a lot to do?”

  “No, I don’t.” I shook my head. “I have a report due Tuesday, but I finished it Friday. I just have to proofread it one last time.”

  “Cool.” He picked up his helmet and then pushed his curls back.

  “Do you know how much some women pay for curls like those?” I asked. “Do you even appreciate your hair?”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s mostly a pain. If it gets too long, it looks like an out-of-control Afro.”

  “It seems the people who have naturally curly hair don’t appreciate it, and the rest of us can only dream of having hair like that. Emily doesn’t like her curls either.” My thoughts turned to my mother. “My mom really embarrassed me earlier with the way she went on and on about me.”

  Taylor held the helmet in his hands and leaned back on the bike. “I think that’s a typical parent thing. You should hear my mom when she goes off about my grades. She’ll talk your ear off about my GPA and my scholarships.”

  “But those are real accomplishments.”

  He studied me for a minute. “Are you embarrassed by who you are, Whitney?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Compared to my life, you’ve had a privileged life filled with opportunities Vanessa and I can’t have, but that’s okay. You can be yourself around me and my family, and we’ll still like you. My mother and sister are enjoying getting to know you.”

  “Is that why you asked your mom to make her cookie recipe?”

  He shook his head. “You’re changing the subject.”

  “No, I just asked a question.” I tried to look innocent.

  “You’re something else, Whitney Richards.” He lifted his helmet. “I better run. Don’t want to be late. See you later.”

  “Bye, Taylor. Ride safely.” I silently admired his lanky body as he put on his helmet and then straddled the bike.

  I studied him as he rode through the parking lot and wondered if I would ever feel that freedom of zooming off on the motorcycle sitting closely behind him and holding tightly onto him. I considered his words. Maybe I shouldn’t be embarrassed by my gymnastics and cheerleading awards, since they are such a deep part of who I am. I love cheerleading, and I’ve realized just how much it means to me since I started coaching Vanessa. The thoughts echoed through me as he disappeared from sight.

  “Whitney?” Emily sidled up to me. “Are you coming to J2A?”

  I nodded.

  “You got it bad for Taylor, huh?” She slung her arm around my shoulders.

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Cuz, you’re almost salivating.” She steered me toward the door. “Has he asked you out yet?”

  “Not officially. We’ve done a f
ew things together, but I’m wondering if he only wants to be friends.”

  “I doubt that. He was sitting really close to you in church today, and there was plenty of room in the pew.”

  We moved through the crowded hallway toward the classrooms.

  I turned toward her. “You noticed how close he was to me?”

  “Oh yeah. And he even wanted you to share his hymnal, which was just another excuse to be close to you.” She grinned. “I’d say he’s just as smitten with you as you are with him. I think it’s only a matter of time before he asks you out.”

  “I hope so.”

  Emily gave me a knowing smile. “I’ve been there. It’s really frustrating, but it’s worth the wait if it’s right.”

  “I hope that’s true.” We stepped into the classroom and sat in the back.

  Misty Strickland, sporting a CHS cheer Windbreaker over a sweater and skirt, sat in front of us and turned around. “Where’s your boyfriend, Richards?”

  “My boyfriend?” I asked, challenging her with a stare.

  “Yeah, you know, your charity case, Taylor Martinez. I saw you sitting with him and his family in church today.”

  I felt my body stiffen in defense. “He had to get to work, and not that it’s any of your business, but we’re just friends.”

  “That’s sad he had to go to work, but I guess his mom doesn’t make much money cleaning toilets.” Misty smirked. “I heard you’re teaching his sister how to cheer. I guess we need to take some charity cases on our team after you graduate, huh? But if I’m made captain, I won’t have to do what you say anymore. I won’t have to let her on the team just because you tried to teach her how to do cartwheels.”

  My blood boiled, and I grasped the desk in front of me to try to stop from launching myself at her.

  Emily narrowed her eyes. “You better watch your mouth, Misty. Just because your dad is a banker doesn’t make you better than anyone else.”

  Misty’s smile was full of sarcasm. “Of course, you would say that, Curtis. You live near Taylor, don’t you? I have a dress that’s worth more than your house.”

  “That’s it.” I stood up and rounded the desk toward Misty. “Who do you think you are?”

  “Girls!” Jenna rushed over. “What’s going on?”

  “Misty is making fun of Taylor and Emily because of where they live,” I said.

  Emily jumped up. “She’s just being a self-righteous snob, and Whitney and I have had it with her.”

  Jenna narrowed her eyes at Misty. “Do you think this is an appropriate way to act?”

  Misty actually looked humble for the first time since I’d met her in middle school. “No, Jenna.” Misty studied her lap.

  “You need to apologize to Emily and Whitney, and I’m going to talk to your parents after J2A.” Jenna touched Misty’s shoulder. “I expected more from you.” She walked up to the front of the room.

  Misty glanced at Emily and me. “Sorry,” she whispered under her breath.

  I looked at Emily, who shook her head and mouthed, “No, she’s not.”

  Jenna began reading a story, but I kept thinking about Misty’s cruel words. I wondered if my other friends thought of Taylor as my charity case. She sounded just as bad as Chad and Brett. I realized Taylor had a reason for being so cold to me when we first started our tutoring sessions, since he’d been treated badly by people I’d always considered my friends.

  I began to worry that Taylor was right about girls like Misty who would never accept Vanessa on the cheer team. I made a mental note to talk to our coach before graduation so that Vanessa would have a fair chance during tryouts.

  After class Emily and I walked out to the parking lot together.

  “Misty Strickland really gets under my skin,” Emily seethed. “She thinks she’s so much better than everyone just because her parents are rich. Oh, I can’t stand people like that.”

  I shook my head and fingered my purse strap. “I’m just glad Taylor wasn’t there to hear it.”

  “I thought the same thing.” Emily lowered her voice. “Here comes Vanessa. We need to change the subject.” She cleared her throat. “Hey, Vanessa. How are you, neighbor?”

  “Hey, Emily.” Vanessa stood beside me. “Do you two want to come for lunch? My mom is making her famous enchiladas.”

  “Oh, wow. That sounds great, but I have to go to the shop for a while. I told my dad I’d help him get caught up on some inventory paperwork.” Emily pulled out her keys. “I’ll see you all later.”

  “Talk to you soon.” I waved as Emily walked to her car.

  “How about you, Whitney?” Vanessa looked hopeful. “Can you come over for lunch? I promise I won’t make you work on cheerleading moves. We can just hang out.”

  “That sounds nice.” I looked toward the church doors. “I just need to tell my mom.”

  Vanessa nodded. “Okay. Meet us by my mom’s car.”

  “I will.” I found my parents talking to another couple in the hallway. I hoped catching her off guard would help my case for spending time with Taylor’s mother and sister. “Mom. Vanessa and her mother invited me over for lunch. Can I go?”

  My mom hesitated and then looked at my dad, who nodded. “Yes, you may go for a little while.”

  Go, Dad! “Thanks, Mom.”

  She shot me a warning glance. “But don’t spend all afternoon there. You need to finish your homework. Isn’t that report due this week?”

  “Yes. I only need to proofread it once more. Thanks, Mom.” I squeezed her hand and then rushed out to the parking lot before she could change her mind.

  chapter twelve

  I wiped my mouth after nearly stuffing myself at lunch. “These enchiladas are delicious, Mrs. Martinez. I need to get your recipe.”

  “Thank you.” Maria pushed the serving plate of enchiladas toward me. “Would you like another?”

  “Oh, no, thank you.” I held up my hand. “I don’t think I could eat another bite.”

  “I hope you saved room for dessert.” Vanessa jumped up from the table and grabbed a plate filled with chocolate-chip cookies. “My brother made these for you last night.”

  I looked at Maria. “I thought you made them.”

  She shrugged. “He really made them. And they were just for you.”

  “Oh.” I felt the tips of my ears heat. “He told me that when we were in fourth grade, he asked you to make them for me twice a week so he had something to share with me at lunch. He felt sorry for me because my mother never let me eat sweets.”

  Maria smiled. “He always liked you. I’m glad calculus brought you two back together after all these years so you could be friends.”

  Vanessa brought the cookies, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped topping to the table. “Let’s make chocolate-chip-cookie sundaes.”

  Maria stood and gathered up the dirty dishes and leftover food from lunch.

  “Can I help you get the bowls and spoons?” I offered.

  “Don’t be silly,” Maria said. “You’re our guest.”

  “But you cooked,” I said.

  “We appreciate you, Whitney. You’ve helped my daughter train for free. We’re very thankful for that.”

  I fingered a napkin and didn’t feel worthy of her appreciation. “Thank you.”

  Maria and Vanessa sat down, and we made vanilla-and-chocolate-chip sundaes while talking about everything from the weather to television shows. We were finishing our sundaes when the house phone rang.

  “I’ll get it.” Vanessa leaped for the cordless phone. “Hello? Oh, hi, Maggie. What’s up?” She moved into the family room and disappeared from sight.

  “Vanessa and Maggie have been friends since kindergarten.” Maria scraped her spoon in her bowl.

  “That’s nice.” I spooned more ice cream. “She’s a really sweet girl.”

  “Thank you. I’ve tried to instill manners and good study habits in my kids. I don’t want them to make the same mistakes I did.” She shook her head.
r />   I wondered what exactly she was referring to, but I didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask.

  “Do you know where you’re going to school in the fall?” she asked.

  I absently moved the remaining ice cream in my bowl around with my spoon. “I’ve been accepted to the schools where I applied, but I’m having a difficult time making a choice.”

  “Oh.” She picked up a cookie from the plate. “I imagine it’s overwhelming to think about how much your life is going to change, but I’m certain you’ll do well. Taylor told me you’re a straight-A student.”

  I snorted. “I was until I took calculus.”

  Maria laughed. “I guess that is a tough class. Taylor tried to explain it to me once, and I was lost after his second word.”

  “He’s so smart. I’m amazed at how he explains math. If he decides not to go to law school, he would be a wonderful math teacher. I heard he might be our class’s valedictorian.” I took a cookie from the plate. “You must be so proud of him.”

  “Thank you. Yes, I’m very proud of him. I encouraged him to concentrate on school and not get tangled up with a bad crowd.” She paused and ate a cookie. “I dropped out of school and got married at seventeen. I wish I had at least graduated, but I was certain I was in love and wanted to be married more than anything else. And then Taylor came along when I was eighteen.”

  “Oh, wow.” I broke a cookie in half while trying to imagine how I’d feel to be a mother at my age. “That had to be so difficult for you.”

  “It was very difficult. Taylor’s father could never keep a job. He always had some excuse to quit. He’d say the boss didn’t like him, the pay wasn’t good enough, or the hours were too long.” She scowled. “I was too blinded by love to see he didn’t want to work. He was just lazy. I thought things would get better after Vanessa was born. But it was more of the same, except we had another mouth to feed. One morning he left to go to work and never came back.”

  “I’m so sorry,” I said softly. “You must’ve been devastated.”

  She paused to chew another cookie. “Yes, I was. My brothers would come over and help me as much as they could, since my mother was gone. She died very young from complications with diabetes.”