A Rose for Melinda (11 page)

TO:
Ann
Subject:
Melinda's Birthday

When I asked Melinda what she wanted for her birthday, she said, “I'd like to be cancer-free, go to Paris with a dance troupe, have boobs bigger than apricots, and see Jesse Rose.” At this time, the first three things on her list are out of reach. But seeing Jesse isn't. If you're willing to let him come, we'd love to fly him to Atlanta for a visit. As Lenny says, “A lot of things in Melinda's life are out of my control, but a nonstop flight across the country for one of her friends isn't one of them!”

I know school might have started (it has here and Melinda cried because she couldn't go), but if you'll let Jesse come for even a few days, Lenny and I will be ever so grateful. Please think about it and call us. If the answer's yes, we'll arrange everything.

Elana (with fingers crossed)

TO:
Elana and Lenny
Subject:
Melinda's Birthday

How could I say no to such a heartfelt request? Besides, if I did, my son would never speak to me again! Plus, he might stow away on a plane and go anyway!

Yes, school has started, but so what? Jesse's had a terrible summer. He talked about Melinda constantly and so wanted to see her. He had little to do after returning from New York and I felt really sorry for him moping around while I worked. Don't tell Melinda, but he sold his skateboard and some of his baseball card collection to kids here at the apartment complex in order to send her flowers and the few presents that he's bought for her birthday.

I wish I could make arrangements for the flight myself but I could not financially afford for him to do this. He can stay up to a week, but don't let him wear out his welcome. And thank you. This visit will mean all the world to him.

Ann

MELINDA'S DIARY

August 30, 11 P.M.

Seeing Jesse again after all this time has been strange and wonderful at once. I've been a nervous wreck ever since Mom and Dad announced that he was coming. I was glad, but not thrilled, and I only wished they had asked me first instead of surprising me with the news. Not that I didn't want to see him—I did. But let's face it: I'm not at my best. Chemo has left its ugly mark. After weeks of being sick and burpy, I'm now swinging the other way: F-A-T. Dr. Neely told me this might happen (I still take a handful of pills every day plus the sucky chemo treatments), but I really didn't think I'd look so freaky.

My face looks like a Moon Pie—round and flat, really gross. Bailey says I'm overreacting, but she's not the one swollen up like a toad. Then I learned that Jesse was coming. I wanted to put a bag over my head. What was Mom thinking?

I was so nervous going to the airport tonight to meet Jesse's plane that I was sick to my stomach. Dad parked the car and we walked into the terminal. The monitors flashed that Jesse's flight from LA had landed, so we waited near the security entrance. My mouth was so dry I couldn't even swallow. I saw him coming, because he was holding a really big teddy bear. He looks like his pictures, but taller, and his eyes are still so very, very blue. When Jesse saw me, his face turned beet red. (He was probably wishing he could get right back on the plane and head home!) We just sort of stood there staring at each other like a couple of stupid cows, then Mom started gabbing blah-blah-blah—all the way through the baggage claim, the walk to the parking lot and the whole ride back to the house! There we sat in the back of her SUV, me hugging one car door, and Jesse the other while Dad drove and Mom talked. I thought I was going to scream, “Please be quiet!” but I bit my tongue. She was ruining everything! Just talking and talking, and me and Jesse embarrassed because we really didn't know what to say to each other—not that we had much of a chance with Mom's mouth running. Jesse and I had “talked” through cards and e-mails, but suddenly, in person, we were strangers.

Just as I was considering opening the door and hurling myself into traffic, I felt Jesse reach across
the seat in the dark and his fingers touch mine. I felt frozen in place, but his fingers warmed mine and soon I started to relax. We sat that way for the rest of the ride to the house, Jesse's hand holding mine and Mom blabbering about everything and nothing. But by then, I didn't care. Jesse was here. And I was with him.

I know it's late, but I'm looking out my window and I see that your bedroom light's on. Is your computer on? Can you e-mail me right back? Is Jesse there?

Yes, I'm here and totally awake. I heard my computer e-mail bell ding and was glad it was you. …Yes, Jesse's here in his old room in the basement. He said it was like coming home.

Tell me EVERYTHING! What's he like? Do you still like-like him? Details, I want details.

He's cute and a little shy. Not that I blame him. Mom practically talked our ears off from the airport to the house. Then when we got here, she sat us in the kitchen for cookies and milk! Can you believe it? Just like we were in grade school. I wanted to crawl under the table, I was so embarrassed. Finally, Dad said it was time to “turn in” … another embarrassing moment. He marched Jesse down to the guest room. Doesn't he know that Jesse's like three hours behind us and probably isn't one bit sleepy? Good thing there's a TV down there.

What are you and Jesse going to do tomorrow on your birthday?

Mom and Dad are taking us to Six Flags (where I plan to lose them in the crowds).

Can I bring your present over in the morning? And meet Jesse?

Come around 9:30, or you'll miss us.

See you tomorrow! And happy birthday in advance. Night, now. (And NO sleepwalking down to Jesse's room.)

Elana's Journal

August 30

11:30 p.m.

I got under Melinda's skin tonight with my incessant talking from the second Jesse arrived. She kept giving me furtive looks and I knew I was overdoing it, but I couldn't seem to control my mouth. Even Lenny mentioned it to me when we were alone, saying he felt “sorry for the boy” because of my verbal bombardment. Maybe it's the
strain of the past weeks, but I vow I won't do it again.

Seeing Melinda and Jesse together again brought back memories of the two of them in grade school. They were both so cute and practically inseparable. I loved having him around and so did Melinda. So many memories …

She's grown up so fast. My daughter, my child … so pretty and smart. And burdened with cancer. It's not fair!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

To the world's best daughter … with all our
love, Mom and Dad
P.S. There's a little surprise for you in the garage.

MELINDA'S DIARY

August 31 (My Birthday!!!!!)

This has been the best day of my life (so far)! At breakfast, I got Mom and Dad's card and let them blindfold me and lead me out to the garage. When Mom removed the blindfold, I almost fainted.
They'd had the garage converted into a dance/ exercise room for me! Air-conditioning, heating, a partial wooden floor, a mirrored wall and a barre so that I can work out on my own. Also, a treadmill and StairMaster to build up my endurance. This is wonderful! Now I can go at my own pace and return to the studio when I'm in better shape. I just screeched and hugged them both. I asked Dad, “But what about the cars?” (He's been known to obsess about his little BMW.) He said, “A little exposure to the elements never hurt a car.” And Mother said, “He's been thinking of trading it in anyway for something more suitable for a man in his forties.” And they gave each other a little look that said they were pleased to have surprised me so totally.

Jesse tried the treadmill and the StairMaster, but he said he'd leave the barre work to me. Then Bailey came over and we had to go through the squealing and excitement again. She met Jesse and pronounced him “really cute” to me when he wasn't around to overhear. I don't know why I care what Bailey thinks of him, but I do. She gave me a really cool top and a beaded bracelet for gifts.