Fated Memories (4 page)

“My dad loved the outdoors in his younger days as well, but I came along so late in their lives, I missed out on all that camping and bonding stuff.” A brief memory of her parents waving from the doorstep flashed before her eyes.
I still miss you Mom and Dad.
“By the time I was old enough to do those things with my parents, they were too old to enjoy it anymore, so I tagged along with my friends’ families on their camping trips. It’s not the same, though, as being with your own parents.”

The conversation went on to lighter, more pleasant subjects as they found common interests in adventure novels and movies. Even their musical preferences ran along the same line, with “country” style being on the bottom of the list. Although their views on current events were similar, they differed on the best cut of steak to buy and how to prepare it.

Simon’s warm smile and easy laugh charmed Maggie. She sensed something good starting here. But her past romantic failures cautioned her to keep her heart in check until his intentions were clear.

Three hours later they were leaving the restaurant, laughing and holding hands, tipsy from the wine, and their stomachs full to bursting. Simon walked her to the car to make sure she was okay to drive home, his lips brushed her knuckles. “I had a good time today. Thanks for listening to me prattle on so much about the Civil War and for not thinking me too weird.”

“I never said I didn’t think you were weird. You’re just weird in a good way.” He stood close, making her heart flutter away.

“Get home safe. Is it all right if I call you tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course. And thank you, I had a wonderful time today.”

Later, in bed, Maggie could still hear his voice and feel the soft caress of his hands on hers. She fell asleep with the sweet memory of a perfect day and the promise of a new beginning. 

A
fter she got off the phone with Maggie, Kitty had a new sense of purpose. It astonished her how the firm resolve to quit the hospital gave her spirit a sudden boost. With her mind freed from the heavy burden she’d been carrying, Kitty found the power to swallow her pride and ask Mom to help draft a letter of resignation that didn’t sound too bitter. Just in case she wanted to use them for a reference for whatever she wound up doing. Instead of dwelling on the past, she sprang into action, making plans for her immediate future.

Close to dinner time, Kitty got off the bus on Central Avenue and found her mom waiting for her like she did when Kitty was little. A flicker of warmth washed over her when she saw her mom’s face brighten. 

“You’re such a Mom.” Kitty engulfed her in a huge hug. 

“Well, it’s not every day that my baby girl comes to visit and wants my help with something. Besides, it’s such a beautiful day for a walk.”

They strolled the three blocks to the house her parents had bought when they first got married and had lived in for over thirty years. Built in the fifties, the modest, two-story home boasted a wide front porch and a small back yard.

As they went, Mom rambled on, as usual, about her ‘kids’ at school. She bragged about one student in particular who had made significant strides in his studies despite the fact that he spoke little English when the term first started. Her face lit up as she talked, waving her hands around for emphasis, making Kitty envious that her mom’s vocation came so clearly to her. The idea of being surrounded by a bunch of ten-year-olds all day, every day, gave Kitty the willies, but Mom thrived on it. 

Kitty’s long awaited decision to leave the hospital delighted her mom. And the pride of being asked to help write the letter of resignation shone on her face.

“Who else would I turn to Ma?” Subtle brown-nosing couldn’t hurt, especially since she planned on asking to borrow Mom’s car for the drive to Maggie’s. 

On the bus ride over Kitty had imagined a host of things she’d prefer the letter to say with “You can take your lousy job and cram it where the sun don’t shine” on the top of the list. But, with her usual flair, Mom created a professional pack of lies that said how much Kitty had enjoyed working there over the years and how she intended to pursue other interests, blah, blah, blah. She was good and, in the end, Kitty came away with her dignity, enough leftover pot roast for another meal, and Mom’s silver 2010 BMW. Mom rarely used it and kept it in the garage most of the time because of parking issues, so it still looked brand new. Kitty looked forward to driving from New York to Harrisburg in style.

Kitty broke the news of Carlos and Sonia’s impending marriage which thrilled Mom. “Well it’s about time. How long have those two been together? They met in high school, didn’t they? At last she’s getting settled. Good for her. I’m sure that will be a big relief to her parents.” She gave Kitty a sideways questioning glance that clearly meant she’d love to see her own daughter get her life squared away, but Kitty ignored it.

“In any case, Ma, when I return from Maggie’s I want to take you and Dad up on your offer to move back home. Only until I get another job though. Don’t count on me staying here long. I just want to get out of Carlos and Sonia’s way so they can make their plans without me being underfoot.”

Mom’s exuberant hug flustered Kitty, and she blushed with pride that she’d made her mom so happy. “Darling, this will always be your home no matter how grown up and independent you become. You can bring your things over whenever you’re ready.” 

Ever the supportive ally, Kitty knew Sonia felt guilty for needing her to leave. To be truthful, though, the time for Kitty to move on had past long ago. She’d meant the arrangement to be a temporary reprieve while recovering from Richard’s let-down, but she’d gotten comfortable and stayed way too long.

Kitty resolved to take her time loading up Mom’s car while working her last two weeks at the hospital so as not to make her departure any more awkward than necessary. Her gym coach needed to be told she was leaving for a while too. Coach Robbins was the best around and, as a former Navy SEAL, he insisted on regimented discipline and refused to train anyone who didn’t show up regularly. Kitty didn’t want to piss him off and lose her spot in his training roster.

***

As expected, her resignation created little fanfare. “Thank you, Ms. Trausch, for your prompt response. I’ll see to it that the personnel department processes this right away so you can get your final check on your last day here.” Mrs. German graced her with a weak, fake smile. “You’ve been here a long time dear, I’m sure you’ll be missed.”

And screw you too
. Kitty gave her the same condescending expression back. She’d only have to spend two more weeks in this hell hole before she’d be free.
Woo hoo! Bring it on, bitches!

***

Sonia performed a good-natured cheer routine when Kitty told her she’d decided to resign, and then distracted herself with busywork around the house while Kitty dawdled at emptying her room.

Sonia insisted on helping her pack for the trip to Maggie’s and kept pulling things out of the closet and stuffing them into Kitty’s suitcase.

“Don’t forget to take something cute and sexy in case you ladies go out on the town one night.” Her eyebrows were doing this crazy up and down dance. “Who knows, this might be where you’ll meet Mr. Right!”

That brought laughter from both of them. Kitty’s tinged with cynicism and Sonia’s with hope. It made no sense to argue. Sonia’s hand wringing and over-helpfulness just made Kitty uncomfortable so she let her put a pair of black skinny jeans and a shiny, stretchy, low-cut, black with splashes-of-green, top in the suitcase along with a torturous-looking push-up bra. Although she did make her exchange the strappy heels she wanted to lend her, for her own rhinestone studded sandals. Kitty had no intention of wearing any of that, but it made Sonia happy that she accepted them. After everything Sonia had done for her, Kitty wanted to be sure she moved out on good terms.

They hugged for the third time, then Kitty wheeled the overstuffed suitcase to the elevator and out to the car. Sonia stopped at the mailbox, giving Kitty the opportunity to get herself comfortable for the long drive.

Okay, Ma. Let’s see what kind of music you have in here.
Not quite three hours and close to a straight run from Tuckahoe to Harrisburg, Kitty’s spirits had been soaring with anticipation for the last two weeks. Along with the classic rock stuff from her parents’ time, there was also a Bluetooth device to connect to her own playlist.
Excellent.
 

“Kit, honey, please promise me you’ll drive carefully and be sure to call me as soon as you get there. I’ll be worried sick until you do.” Sonia, mail in hand, stuffed a canvas grocery bag full of snacks and drinks in through the passenger side window.

“Jeez, Sonia, I went through this with my mom and dad yesterday. I’ll be fine, I promise. And I don’t need all that food. It’s only a three-hour trip.”

“Yeah, that’s what Gilligan said. Do you have enough gas?”

“I filled up yesterday.” Kitty was positive her eyes had rolled so far back only the whites showed.

“How about money, do you need more cash? Is your cell phone charged in case of emergency?”

“Sonia, stop being a mother hen. My cell phone is charged and I have a car charger for backup, I have my ATM, a credit card, contingency funds, an AAA ID and a navigation app on my phone so I can’t get lost. It’s only a three-hour drive to Pennsylvania for Christ’s sake. I’m not going cross-country. Give me props for having common sense and don’t worry. I’ll be fine!”

Before she could say another word, Kitty blew a kiss, waved and headed off to the highway.

***

Though she hit a minor snag in the construction zone on I-95, the decent mid-morning traffic only pushed her time-table back by half an hour as she made the connection to I-78. Kitty breezed along with Mick lamenting the wiles of those honkey-tonk women. With the windows open, her hair wild in the wind, the three hours passed before she knew it.

When she arrived, Maggie hugged her so hard it left her breathless. “Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re here!” Cute and bubbly like Kitty’s sister, Maggie had the strength of a body builder. “I hope you’re hungry, I got fidgety waiting for you so I went ahead and made us lunch. I just need to pop the sandwiches in the toaster-oven to heat them up real quick.”

“Bless you. I hoped there’d be food. I was too excited about the road trip to eat or sleep much last night, so my dinner only consisted of candy bars and soda. Now I’m famished.” 

‘Lunch’ turned out to be a feast. Stacks of roast beef with sweet green peppers, onions and melted provolone on baguettes, accompanied homemade potato salad and marinated cucumbers in sour cream. With only occasional grunts of satisfaction, they demolished the food and washed it down with lime-infused beer. 

“I’m so stuffed.” Kitty pushed away from the table, stifling an enormous belch. The heavy meal, on top of the long drive with minimal sleep, made her so groggy it took every ounce of strength she could muster to drag herself to the sofa.

But Maggie’s energy level soared. She assured Kitty she didn’t need help with the dishes as she bustled back and forth from the small dining room to the smaller kitchen. 

Unlike Sonia, Maggie had a real knack for decorating. Though more of a cottage than a house, Maggie had furnished it in what might be called French-country-style or Pottery-Barn-chic. An overstuffed camelback sofa covered in cabbage rose patterned slipcovers, paired with a pale green cushy wing chair occupied most of the small living room. A few tables and an old writing desk completed the decor. She always kept a lace tablecloth on the round dining table with a vase of fresh flowers that smelled wonderful. If peace had an aroma, this would be it. 

Maggie had been prattling on about something, but try as she might Kitty just couldn’t keep up with her. “… confessed that he felt like such a fool for his embarrassing behavior, it took him a whole week to gather enough courage to come back and ask me out. But he knew if he didn’t at least try, he’d always regret it. I’m so glad he did.”

“Wait, who? I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just that my brain isn’t functioning right now. I’ll bet it’s still processing the ton of sugar I ate last night. Did you say you have a new boyfriend?”  

Maggie had a funny way of tilting her head and peering at you with open mouth and squinted eyes when she was confused, and that expression came out now. “Kit, haven’t you been listening to what I’ve been saying?”

Luckily, the ringing cell phone gave Kitty the opportunity to close her eyes for a few minutes while Maggie talked. Two hours later she woke to Maggie calling her name.

***

“Kit. Kitty, I know you’re tired, but tonight you’ll regret sleeping so long. I’m going out for a run. Do you want to come with me?”

“Mmm, that’s a good idea.” She sat up straight on the sofa rubbing the fog out of her eyes. “I’m so sorry I fell asleep on you, Mags, just let me change real fast and we’ll jump start my heart again so I can be a better guest.”

Maggie drove them to her favorite running trail along the river while continuing the rundown on her new romance. Kitty couldn’t help noticing that Maggie’s eyes sparkled and her voice got breathless as she spoke of their first date, then their first kiss and how anxious she was to see him again.
Okay, I’m a little envious
, she admitted to herself.
First Sonia and Carlos got engaged, and now Maggie’s in love. Sure, everyone’s saying they’ll stay close, but knowing that my friends are moving on without me, hurts. And what about me? Will I ever find the man who’s right for me, or am I destined to be the same high school wallflower watching everyone else enjoy the party without being part of it?

They started off on the trail, each listening to their own music through their earplugs, each reflecting on their own lives. Kitty knew Maggie’s thoughts were turning to her new boyfriend, and she scolded herself for not being more supportive.
Oh well, I’ve only been here less than twenty-four hours. I still have plenty of time to atone for my jealousy.

Two hours later they were back at Maggie’s house and, soaked with sweat, Kitty headed straight for the shower. Once refreshed, she unpacked her clothes in the cozy guest room while Maggie took her turn.

Kitty chose to wear her relaxed jeans paired with a conservative white tee-shirt and her hair clipped back for the visit to Grandma. Although she preferred tapered jeans and stretchy shirts that hug the body, she didn’t think it proper attire for visiting a nursing home.

Maggie did her last minute primping at the long mirror in the hall. Kitty came out of her room and the two of them laughed when they saw how alike they were dressed. “We’re two peas in a pod.” Maggie gave her a quick squeeze. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

***

Even though it had been less than a year, Grandma Margaret struck Kitty as being much older than the last time she’d seen her. The bruise from the IV in her arm highlighted the white translucent skin and her frail frame hardly disturbed the blanket on the hospital bed. Still, she managed a warm smile welcoming her visitors into the room. “I was just thinking of you Maggie dear, and who is your lovely friend?”