Ah the Weekend Continues

"Hi Carly." A voice came from the sofa.
"Grandma Billy, Grandpa Doug. How are you doing? I wasn't expecting to see you."
"We're great, but it sounds like you're not doing too bad yourself.Your Mom said you had a surprise for us, but she doesn't keep secrets very well. So let's meet this surprise."
Grabbing my hand and pulling me, "Brian, this is my Grandma Billy and Grandpa Doug. They are my Mom's mom and dad. They live in Jackson."
"Grandma and Grandpa this is Brian Owens, my fiance." Carly's eyes were flashing with stars in them.
"Nice to meet you."
"Where are you from Brian?" This was Grandpa Doug.
"I was born and raised in Apple Valley; several hours north of here."
"I'm familiar with it." I wasn't sure what else to say. I really was not planning on meeting anyone beyond Carly's immediate family. I'm not sure why I didn't think I would be meeting grandparents. I couldn't even think of anything to say to make small talk.
"We want to hear the story Carly." Grandma Billy said.
"Oh, there's not much to tell."
"Carly, dear, don't lie to your Grandmother." she said with her own sly smile that looked really familiar. So, now I know where Carly got that smile.
Carly started in on our story. I excused myself and took our packages upstairs. I pulled out my camera and started snapping pictures. I interrupted Carly while she was telling her story to get a picture of her with her grandparents. Grandma Billy and Grandpa Doug were quite photogenic.
Grandma Billy was oohing and aahing, among chuckles.
I went outside and took pictures around the house. There were some pretty flowers in bloom. I was able to get some close ups of the trees in bloom, too. I wonder if Carly's Dad is going to like the candid shots I got of him while he was barbecuing. Oh well, he doesn't need to know that I took them.
I enjoyed dinner. I liked just listening to the stories being told after dinner. Because I was new to the family I was able to sit back and learn about this family's past. They all seemed to enjoy telling embarrassing stories. Embarrassing for someone else that is. I was able to sneak away and get my presents. When the family saw that I had presents all conversation stopped, and all faces were looking at me. Carly nodded for me to go ahead.
"Even though I have only met you two days ago, I feel like I have known you for almost forever. We have been so busy here that it seems I have forgotten what life was like before I met you. I can't really remember life without Carly. I wanted to give you these presents to say thank you. It's not much, but it's what I like to do. Juli here's yours. Mike that one belongs to you. Melinda and Duane these are for you. I apologize Grandma Billy and Grandpa Doug I didn't you know you were coming. If you want a copy of any of these I can get them and send them to you."
"Oh, Brian, these are beautiful. This one was taken the day you guys got engaged? That is a beautiful picture." Melinda marveled.
"Brian, I don't like to have my picture taken, but I will keep this one. Thanks." Juli said.
"Cool." was all Mike said. The pictures were passed around the table. Grandma Billy said she'd like a copy of all of them.
I hoped they liked them as much as I liked giving them.
After the dishes were cleaned up, food put away, and visiting was finished, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson headed home. Grandma Billy hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. Grandpa Doug gave me a warm, firm handshake. I couldn't wait to see the pictures I took of them.
Carly felt good as she stood next to me and held my hand.

Carly helped my put the pictures in frames and wrap them. I wasn't sure what Carly's family was going to think, I wanted this to be special. Her family had taken me in and accepted me. I felt loved and welcomed. Not unlike my own home. I won't contribute that to me even if it were possible. I saw that they trusted their daughter; loved her.
When we pulled up to the house and got out of the car we could smell the barbecue grill. My mouth started watering.
"I hope your like barbecued ribs." Carly said smiling.
"I have only ever had them at a restaurant." I replied
"Oh, these will be so much better. Trust me."
"I do."
"You do what?"
"Trust you." Carly stopped what she was doing and just looked at me. It seemed she was searching deep into my soul through my eyes. I hoped she found what she was looking for.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" I asked seriously.
"I did." Was her reply and she returned to what she was doing previously.
Okay I thought. I guess I don't need know what she was looking for. I didn't ask. Remember I trust her.

Just Me

My work environment has become extremely draining the last few weeks. It has become emotionally draining. It's not the students. I've got a good group of kids. It's the environment outside the classroom. As much as I try, I can't seem to keep myself motivated for the next 6 weeks. That's not good with testing coming up at the end of the month.
My students have liked hearing about Brian and Carly. I have had them write a story that we will put in a book for the classroom and each student will get a copy of everyone's story. It is going to be a lot of fun, I hope. I read one story today. It was good. This particular student really likes comic books. Actually, I have several that like comic books. This story will be great. I'm looking forward to hearing the other stories.
I work with some fantastic teachers and staff. They are hard working and dedicated to what they do. I am thankful for the support that I have received from them. They are life savers for sure.
On a completely different note. In the last month I have become more of a fan of prayer than I have been in the past. For so long I always felt that my prayers didn't make beyond 6 inches above my head and then sank to the floor. Most felt like they couldn't leave my head. Not that I was stalwart about it, but I did keep with it and prayers are much better now. They have become so much better that I have become addicted to prayer. Is there a support group for that? (Hahahahaha)
Our first game is Monday. We don't have much of a pitching staff. This will be a good season. I'm excited.
The age range is 9 to 12. Nathan towers over some of those 9 year old players. They are going to think he's 14 or something. I'm looking forward to seeing him hit the ball this year.
I had better head to bed. My day starts to early for me.
Love you all!!!!

OLD Man

Enjoying the Weekend Cont.

After picking up Mike and Juli we headed to the country. We came upon a cabin of sorts with a large barn. After getting out of the SUV, Mike was at the barn door opening it up. After a few minutes I heard an engine revving. Mike shoots out the door on a four wheeler.
I went into the barn and there sat 6 four wheelers. Couple of them were older than the others, but they all ran. I may not be too bright, but this day was going to be spent cruising the country side. I hadn't been on one of these for years.

I enjoyed the day. About 2:00 we stopped for some lunch. Carly showed me some trails that went through some of the mountainside. There was some beautiful scenery. I was glad that I had brought my camera with me. I think Carly's Dad got tired of waiting for me while I stopped and took pictures. I took several of her family. I can't wait to download them and see what they look like bigger than 2x2 inches.
When we got back into town we stopped at the local diner. Amy, one of Carly's best friends was there. Obviously, I was introduced as Carly's fiance. This was the first time that we had told anyone outside of either family that we were engaged. It felt strange. I'm not sure why.
Dinner was good. I love the small town diners. They seem to be the most friendly and taste great. It was a good day and I was very tired.
Carly and I postponed our run for 9:00 AM. I am not so sure that I wanted to get up then.
Surprisingly to me, I was up and ready to go running at 8:30. Again, Carly set a pretty good pace. She seemed to move slower however. She must be sore from yesterday's riding. It felt good stretch those muscles.
"Carly, would you mind if we walked and talked for awhile?"
"Sure, Brian, something wrong?"
"Not really. I just know that neither of us are where we want to be in regards to working. We both have a desire to be in school. Would you mind if we made some tentative plans that at least get us heading in that direction? We probably better set a date, hadn't we?"
"I've been thinking about that myself. I'd like to get married in July. That gives us about 3 months to plan. I always thought that I wanted a big fancy wedding, but I don't want that any more. I feel the smaller the better. If you don't mind, I'd love to have my grandpa marry us."
"He can do that? Well that takes care of one thing. That is pretty cool."
"Brian, I'd also like to get married in Jackson, which is about 30 miles from here. I know that is going to be a long haul for your family. I would however consider getting married closer to your family if you'd rather."
"I've never considered really where I want to get married, but I believe that it's our day and we should get married where we want to. Jackson would be fine with me." I got a kiss for that one. I need to make more comments like that, if that's the reaction the I get.
"I really want Sully to be at our wedding. Do you think he'll come, Brain?"
"When we get back home we had better make a visit to the park. Let's go on Tuesday and steal his bench.
"When we got here on Thursday I called Mom and asked if we could go visit her next week. We can leave on Thursday afternoon. We should be able to leave work early. She was okay with that."
"Brian, I haven't asked, I thought you would tell me when you were ready, but I don't want walk into this visit blind. What happened that was so bad that caused you to leave home and talk very little to your family?"
"To think about it now it seems quite trivial, but I said and did somethings that were really stupid. When I left I never got around to saying I'm sorry to anyone. The longer I wait to go back the harder it seems to be to go back.
"The basic story is this. The last couple of years I have been working at the store and keeping it going. I have an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. We were at Mom's house one night talking about the store. My older brother Sandy, my sister Jamie, and Mom were talking about the store. I don't remember what exactly, but it became apparent that those three assumed I wanted to run the store. They sat and discussed it like I wasn't even there. They also started listing things that they saw wrong with the store. Then they started directing that list to me and telling me how I was going to fix it. It was at that point I blew. I remember telling them 3 things: That staying at the store was not my life's ambition. There were other things that I wanted to do with my life. Second, was that if I wasn't running the store to their standards they could come and take over. And the third thing and for which I most regret is I told them all to go to...well that warm place that is suppose to never freeze over. I packed most of what I needed and left. They tried to convince me to stay. I drove to the city that night and stayed in a hotel for 3 nights, rented an apartment and found a job at Seaver's."
"I've talked to and emailed my Mom, but I haven't spoken to any of my siblings since. Mom told me that they asked her to forward my emails to them, but I haven't heard from any of them. Sandy took a few days off work to manage the store. Mom jumped in, too, until they found someone to manage the store. I know Mom works there a few hours a week. She does it to keep busy mostly. She gets paid a portion of the profit each month."
"What are you going to do when you see your family again?"
"I've already talked to Mom. She's told me that I don't need to apologize to her and she understands. I told her that I need to apologize if not to her for her, but for me. I honestly don't know about Sandy and Jamie. I've got a few days to think it through.
"Carly, I need to know if you'll feel comfortable meeting my Mom even with all this."
"I don't know Brian. It's not what I imagined it would be to meet my future in-laws. Let's talk about that later."
We held hands and walked more in silence.
It was 10:30 before we got back to the house and cleaned up for the day. I had brought my laptop computer with me. I decided to download the pictures I had taken before.
"Melinda, do you have a Walgreen's or another store in town I can send my pictures to to get developed?"
"Yeah, Brian we've got a Walgreen's in the middle of town."
I told Carly to meet me in Mike's bedroom, but to be sneaky about it. When she came up I showed her the pictures of the day before. I deleted several pics and sent the rest to be developed. I even sent the pictures that were taken the night I proposed.
Carly and I left under the premise that Carly wanted to go to the arcade. We did go and play some games. We didn't want to lie. I had picked 4 pictures and the picture of Carly that I took just before I proposed. Carly helped me pick out frames and wrapping paper for them.
Carly knew the librarian pretty well, so we asked to if we could use a table and some scissors. We must have looked funny. How often do you see someone wrapping presents at the library.
We went back to the diner. Carly told me to sit down and that she would order. When she came to sit down she was carrying the two biggest root beer floats I have ever seen. It was mostly ice cream with a little root beer. The ice cream was the hard ice cream, not that wimpy soft serve stuff. A few minutes later a waitress brought a mug of root beer to add to our floats if we needed it.
"Brian, I'd like to get married on August 3, in Jackson."
"What happened to July?" I smiled.
"August 3rd feels better." She smiled in return. "I'd still like to get married in Jackson. The also have a reception center there. We could have something here. I really don't want anything fancy. However, I think I want some dancing to be involved. We can go on our honeymoon and then have an open house in Apple Valley a week later."
"Maybe we're not going on a honeymoon." I tried to keep a serious look about me, but it only lasted until Carly looked at me with those big brown eyes. "I'm only kidding, I'm only kidding." I wanted to cry.
It was then she piped up and said, "I know." and flashed her pearly whites at me. Oh I hate when she does that. She gets me every time with that look. Just wait the next time she uses that look again she'll be serious and I think she's be kidding. That would be my luck.

Enjoying the weekend

"Carly are there some trails close by that I could run on in morning?"
"I didn't know that you were a runner."
"I only run 3-5 days a week. I really don't enjoy running all that much, but it keeps my head clear and the heart pumping. I don't run for distance either. I run for about a half hour or 45 minutes. It depends on the day."
"Brian, would you mind if I ran with you tomorrow?"
"No problem, as long as you don't run me into the ground. I'm not a fast runner."
"I'll keep it slow enough for ya' Santa Fe." Carly said with a cunning smile.
"I'm sure you will." We both chuckled.
Before we went into the house. I gave Carly a kiss on the cheek. As I headed upstairs I was wondering how to not take those tender kisses for granted.
Mike volunteered to sleep on the floor in his room so I could have the bed. I kept trying to insist that I would be fine on the floor. I couldn't Melinda and Mike.
Mike was reading a book when I went in to his bedroom. He directed me to a towel so I could shower.
When I returned I had been thinking over the day, and the last few weeks. My world had turned upside down, in a good way, and I was considering how blessed I had become. Carly was good for me. How I hoped and worried that I was as good for her. She managed to bring me out of a life where I didn't live, but existed. I was wasting away and didn't realize it. She has rekindle a fire that has put me into motion.
Six in the morning came at 3 I think. Maybe Smithfield has a different time than the rest of the state. Carly knocked on the door softly. I had my gear out and got it on quickly. Mike was stirring. He probably had to get soon for school. When I got outside Carly was already stretching. I joined her. It had been a few days so I was stiff, but it didn't take long for the stiffness to drain away.
"How long do you want to run this morning?"
"I'll take a anything up to 45 minutes. Depending how you fast you run me into the ground I may be back here in 5 minutes."
"I'm offended. How dare you think I'd do something like that, Mr. Owens."
"It may have been dark last night, but I saw the look."
"Mr. Owens you offend me again. Whatever do you mean?"
"Don't play coy Miss Smith. I know the look when I see it."
"Are you ready to run Santa Fe?"
"Show me the way Cube 5." I said trying to show my look. I'm just trying to be macho. I have not developed a look yet.
Forty-five minutes later I was sweaty, but I was able to keep up pretty well; she sets a good pace.
I walked around the yard for a few minutes. I have forgotten how good the country smells. I felt revitalized. This felt good.
Duane took a day off. Mike and Juli had to go to school for a test in first period, but Melinda said she'd check them out of school.
I'm not sure what all this would mean for me, but I was looking forward to seeing Carly in her home environment.
After showering and a hot breakfast I helped clean up. Melinda started making and packing a lunch.
Whispering to Carly, "What is your mom doing? Where are we going?"
"We are going to see if you can really handle being a Smith."
"Uh...what are we going to do?"
"Worried? Santa Fe."
"Should I be?"
"Nope. You'll be fine. We are just going to have a some fun for a few hours. We'll be gone long through lunch. So, Mom is making one for us."
"Are you going to give me a clue?" I asked.
"Wear a pair of old clothes if you've got them. What size of shoe do you wear?"
"Size 11, I think."
"Good, Dad will have a pair of boots that will fit you."
I hadn't made my bed yet so I headed upstairs to do that and read for a while.
I soon heard my name being called. It was weird to hear Melinda call me. "Carly said you needed some boots. Try these on. I'll think they'll fit." They fit comfortably.
"They fit nicely. Thank you."
"Brian, how is your mom handling the loss of your Dad?" I was not expecting this question.
"Melinda, before I can answer that question, you need to know though I call and email Mom, I have not been home in over 7 months." I could see the shock in Melinda's eyes. I could also see a questioning concern. It might have been, 'What will this mean for my daughter?'
"Melinda, Carly knows that when I left home that I didn't leave under the best circumstances. She has been very patient with me, knowing that I will tell when I am ready."
"That must be killing her. Patience is not one of Carly's virtues." Malinda said with a bit of a smile.
"Before I left Mom would cry sometimes at night, but it grew less frequent. Surprisingly she would laugh more than cry. She had a memory come to mind and just start laughing. Most of the time she would share them with us kids. There were others that she kept to herself. I think she's doing okay though. She still works at the store that she and Dad started how many ever years ago. It keeps her busy, I guess.
"Carly doesn't know it, but we are going to Apple Valley next week to meet my Mom at least."
"Come on you two slow pokes, Dad's chompin' at the bit to get out of here. And we still have to get Jules and Mike." Carly said.
"Well Brian, I believe that is as close as we are going to get to a engraved invitation." Melinda said smiling.
With that we headed out the door to what I hope to be a fun adventure.

Dinner

Dinner was excellent I felt very comfortable during dinner. Carly's family was easy to talk to. I didn't say much, but they were fun to listen to. I wondered if dinner was always this chatty. Even with a stranger at the table.
"So, Brain, what do you want us to know?" Mr. Smith said.
"I don't know. Um...I did graduate from high school. I don't know what to tell you? Maybe it would be better if you let me know what you want to know." This didn't sound good, but I feel I don't know what is interesting enough to tell my future in-laws.
"Tell us about your family, where did you grow up? Those kinds of things." This was from Melinda.
"I grew up in Apple Valley. It's a little town of 5 hours north of here. My family still lives there. My mom is manager of the family store. My Dad ran it until he died 3 years ago. He died of a heart attack. The ambulance got him to hospital and stabilised. They flew him to the medical center, but he died while in surgery. We all took it pretty hard. I can't speak for the rest of the family, but I made my peace with God. When I think about him I chuckle. He use to pull these faces at me and siblings. He use to do it when we were trying to be mad, but he could always make us smile. He coached my baseball team when I was in little league. My older brother and I played on the same team. He always made it to my games. I played through high school. He was seemed to make to my away games as well." All the females were wiping tears from their cheeks and eyes. "I didn't mean to turn this into a crying fest. I love my Dad. Sometimes I feel like he's looking over my shoulder. He use to do that when he was alive, but it never felt like he was doing it to make sure whatever I was doing right. He always seemed interested in my projects, whatever they were. He may have been doing to make sure I understood what I was doing. If I could explain it to him then I knew what I was talking about, even though thing sometimes wouldn't work out the way I thought they should."
I sat silent for a moment. The Smiths let me sit in my quiet. Even Mike was quiet, which surprised me considering his age.
"I played baseball for the high school team. Oh, I already told you that. I played trumpet in the band. We had a small band, but it was a lot of fun. Especially jazz band. My junior year our band director took us to a recording studio. We recorded 4 songs. It was totally awesome. Oh, sorry. I'm getting a bit carried away."
"Your fine we love hearing it." Melinda said.
"Carly I think your Dad and sibs need to hear about how you and Brian got engaged."
"This ought to be good." Juli said. "Carly has been hiding Brian for however long. Carly I thought you and I were like best friends, but no you hide things from me."
"Jules, it's nothing like that. If you'd hush I'd tell you."
Carly began her story. She even let me add some detail. Juli had to pick her jaw up off the floor. Melinda's cried again. Mike, well he's a teenage boy. Carly's Dad was the hardest to decide what he was thinking. He just listened calmly.
"Juli, we knew and know what took place was right. We wanted to get use the idea of being together and didn't really need to hear all of the comments about or nay-sayers our story.
"We've seen Sully at the park a couple of times. He's doing well. He still jokes about our engagement."
While telling our story Carly was not bashful about holding my hand and leaning against me. I love how comfortable she feels.
"Brian, I do not understand what Carly and you do for work, but form what I do know, I can't imagine anyone do that for a career." This question came from Carly's Dad. I started chuckling. Carly's Dad looked offended, but I held up my hand to show that I would explain.
"I said that very thing to Carly last week. And you are so right. I've not taken the opportunity to go to school yet. I spent the last 3 or so years working in the store. However, if I'd like to be an airline pilot."
"Cool. Do you have your license?" Mike said in awe.
"Not yet. I've only been on a ride with a friend of mine. I really enjoyed it." I replied.
"Mike, Brian, and Jules, will you help me with the dishes?" Carly asked, but mostly told. I helped. Carly's parents sat in the living room talking. I wish I could hear more of their conversation. I'm not worried about what her parents think of me, but it would be nice to know.
The day had gone better than I had expected. I hope next week would be just as easy for Carly.
We ended our day with a walk. It felt good to be away from our corner of the world and the stress that comes with it.
I am always amazed at how many more stars I can see when in smaller towns. I understand how it works, but it still amazes me.

Meeting Dad

Carly's pictures were the usual family pictures. Naked in the tub, playing in the yard, school pictures. You know the kind I'm talking about. However, the funnest pictures to look at were the dance pictures from high school. I browsed through those pictures. I saw one boy more than once. "Hey Carly, I've seen this boy in more than one dance picture. Is there something you need to share with me? I believe I recall you saying that you didn't have a boy friend. These pics show otherwise."
"Have you ever heard that looks can be deceiving?" Carly said with some superiority in her voice.
"Have you heard, 'Avoid the appearance of evil' by chance?" was my smart Alicky reply.
"Okay, I will concede that, but he was the one who wanted him and me to be an item. I just couldn't do it. I also told him flat out that I was not interested in dating steadily. But he kept asking me out." Carly said.
I noticed the time. Carly's dad should be getting home in a little while. I had managed to forget about it, but I was nervous again. I started to shake my leg. Carly picked up on it and sent me outside to clean out some stuff out of her car. I was happy for the distraction.
"Excuse me, but I think you're in my daughter's car. May I help you?" came the deep sound of fatherly voice.
Needless to say it startled me. So much so that I smacked my head against the inside of the car while trying to pull myself out of the car. With one hand rubbing my head I held out the other. "Yes sir, this is Carly's car. She asked me to clean some of the stuff out of it for her. Oh, I'm Brian, Brian Owens. I'm a friend of Carly's. We work in the same office. You must be Mr. Smith."
"That I am son." He gripped my hand firmly and shook it. "Carly must be inside then. I didn't know she was coming home for a visit."
"Well, Carly wanted to surprise you and the family. She likes to do those kind of things." I said trying to make small talk.
"I guess she brought you home with her to see if we approve of you?" Mr. Smith raised his eye brow with that question.
"Well..." I didn't know what to say. This whole thing caught me so off guard. My mind was scrambling, and I didn't know how to stall for time. "She brought me here so that I could ask you permission to marry her." In the minute or so of talking with Carly's dad, I had decided he liked things to be straight forward. "Mr. Smith may I marry Carly?" After asking this question we both leaned against the car. I could see the tension ease from his shoulders and face. His face became much softer.
"Brian is it? I have one question. The answer to this question will affect your future with my daughter. Do you like Carly?"
I quickly started to reply. "I love y..."
"Stop! You need to think about this question before you reply. When are you two heading home?"
"Sunday." I said being confused.
"Plan to talk with me on Sunday morning. I'd like to go for a walk with you and spend some time with you.
"I have another question...can you act?" Mr. Smith asked with a big smile on his face. I nodded. "Great follow my lead."
I had to walk quickly to keep up with him to the door. "Mel call the cops. I caught this boy trying to steal Carly's car. Hurry!"
"What's wrong Dear?" Melinda called out.
"Hurry call the 911. This kid was trying to steal Carly's car." Mr. Smith started to wrestle with me a bit. I took that as a cue to do some resisting. I started to struggle to get free. He has wrestled me to the floor face down. I kept struggling. Carly's Dad put his knee in my back. All this happened before anyone could get into the front room.
"Daddy." Carly shouted. "Daddy that's my fiance, Brian."
"Your WHAT?"
"Dad that's Brian my fiance."
"Why have we never met this no good for nothing...?"
"Duane get off of him at once." Carly's Mom said.
I started coughing and acting like I couldn't breath.
Mr. Smith rolled me over, "Is this true boy? Do you think you can just waltz in here and steal my daughter from me?"
"Daddy stop it." Mr. Smith offered his hand to help up. He winked at me and he started laughing. That was my cue to start laughing. Carly, Melinda, Dan, and Juli couldn't figure out they had just been duped by their dad.
"Duane, I can't believe you." Melinda slapped Duane on the shoulder. Carly just turned and walked into the other room. This went a lot better than I had anticipated. But I still had Sunday morning to look forward to. Mike and Juli were rolling on the floor, because they were laughing so hard.
Duane went into the kitchen and kissed his wife. She let him kiss his cheek, but she didn't appreciate what he had just done. What I saw was what I wanted after 30 years of marriage.
"Hey Carly, it's good to see you. And a nice surprise. Didn't see any of this coming for sure. It's been a while."
"Daddy, be nice. So much for telling in a nice way."
"Apparently, there's something you need to share with your old man."
"I tell you at dinner." Carly said looking somewhat dejected.
"Give your old Dad a hug and kiss."
"I think you don't deserve a hug and a kiss." with this statement she stuck her nose to the air.
"Okay, if that's the way you feel then, I...I...I think I'll go to bed and not get out all weekend." Duane had said in one of the saddest voices I have ever heard. He even stuck his bottom lip out. Carly caught a sideways glance at him and she started laughing.
"Gotcha."
"Be nice to me Dad. I'm your favoritest oldest daughter."
"That you are." with that Mr. Smith disappeared upstairs.
When Carly looked at me I could see that I was in trouble, but I just shrugged my shoulders and went into the other room.

Talking to Mom

It was about 2:00 before Carly had finished tell our story and we had finished lunch. Carly's mom was very warm and gracious. I saw where Carly's smile came from. Her smile is identical to her mother's smile, both very beautiful. As we got settled Melinda (It's taking me time to get use to calling Carly's mom Melinda. It feels weird.) would steal glances at both us. I didn't mind. It took me to thoughts of how my own mom would react.
Because of the circumstances under which I left home, I had never thought about what it might be like to return home. I'm pretty sure that Mom would let me come back and be accepting; it's my siblings that worry me.
"Carly, I'm going to outside and call my mom." I said.
"Everything okay, Santa Fe?" she smiled.
"Yeah." I smiled and kissed her on the cheek and went outside.
"Hey, Mom? This is Brian."
"Are you okay, Honey?"
"Yeah, I was just was thinking about you and needed to call. How are you?" I asked with a little hesitation.
"I'm fine Bri. Not much going on in this sleepy little town."
"Do you still get together with the ladies of the neighborhood and do quilts once a week?"
"Yes, I do. The ladies ask about you on occasion. They often ask me what you do for work, and I can never remember what it is you do."
Chuckling, "Mom, I'm not even sure what I do. They ought to get a kick out of that. Mom I guess I called to ask a question, can I come home next Thursday and stay until Sunday afternoon?"
The silence lasted a little longer than was comfortable. "Mom?"
"I'm here." My mom's voice had a quiver in it.
"I don't have to come home, I can wait for another time." I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear what may come next.
"Oh, no, no Brian. I have been wanting to hear you say that since you left."
"I know that I hurt your feelings before I left. I have never really apologized, and I want to do that in person."
"Brian, you don't..."
"Yes, I do Mom. If not for you, then for me. Mom, this is going to sound bad, but it's not that things have become...complicated isn't the right word, but it is the only word that comes to mind."
"You're going to make me stew about it all week long? You're not being nice to your old mother."
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to. I just wanted you to know there is more stuff coming. Can I bring you something from the city to make up for it?" I asked hopefully.
"Ummmm...Are you sure you want to ask that Brian?" I heard the smile in Mom's voice. It sounded good.
"Yes, Mom anything."
"Since moving to the city have you been to that bakery that's on 2nd South? The one that your Dad and I use to take you kids to when you were little?"
"I haven't. I forgot about that place. I wonder if it's still there." Boy did that bring back some great memories. I could actually smell the bakery this very moment.
"If it is, bring those brownies that nuts in them and coconut frosting. If they don't have them I'll take just you."
"Thanks, Mom. I'll work on those brownies. You don't need to tell my siblings that I'm coming. I haven't talked with any of them since I left."
"I know, they ask me to forward the email you send to me to them. They worry about you and they too are nervous about talking to you."
"In a way that makes me feel better about coming to visit." I felt a bit of the weight that I have been carrying around the last six months had just been lifted off my shoulders.
"Is there anything else Brian?"
"There's not, but it has been so good to talk with you. It has been too long in coming, but I appreciate you being patient with me. It means a great deal. It will mean even more next week.
"I'll call in early next week. Love you Mom." I said as tears rolled down my cheek.
"I love you Brian. Bye."
After hanging up I stayed outside. I didn't want Carly to know that I had been crying. Looking around I decided that I love small towns. There's room to move and breathe. At times it can be a curse, I really like it that everyone knows everyone else.
I had made through two significant events today and I still have one more. I have met Carly's Mom, I've talked with my Mom and started repair what damage I had done, the third event was to meet Carly's Dad.
"Excuse me, but I believe you're leaning against my sister's car." came a young female voice.
"I believe I am." was my reply.
"Can we help you with something?" the young voice continued.
"That depends. If memory serves me correctly you are Juli and you are Mike." I said pointing to the teenage boy next to Juli. I could tell this made both of them nervous, but I was having fun.
Pulling out a note book I carry in my pocket, I said, "Juli, you are a junior at Smithfield High School. You are on the track team and you play for the girls' basketball team." Turning to Mike I said, "You like to draw. I've seen some of your work. I like it. I really like your pencil drawings. I also think that you play trumpet in the band. Is this all correct?"
"Yes." they both said nervously.
I had tried to put on my most serious face I could muster. Then not being able to hold in the my laugh I said, "My name is Brian. I'm the guy that is going to marry your sister."
"My sister is not dating anyone...who are you really?" Juli was looking at me intently.
"I promise I am Carly's fian...."
"Brain? Are you okay?" Carly called from the front door.
Those two did not believe me. It was written all over their faces.
"Carly, is this guy your fiance?" Juli asked.
"Yes he is. I see that you met." Mike shrugged his shoulders and took his stuff do his room. Juli on the other hand screamed with delight. I even got a hug out of the deal. Juli wanted to hear all about it, but to her dismay Carly said she'd tell about it at dinner. Juli was not a happy camper, but she accepted it.
I had brought a book to read, but didn't feel like reading. I moved in and out of the kitchen, but found myself to be in the way. I went back into the living room. Before sitting down I saw a picture album, so, I grabbed it.
This book must have been Carly's. It has pictures from the first day.
"Oh don't look at those. They're too embarrassing." Carly said as she sat on the arm of the chair and put her arm around my shoulders.

Meeting the Fam Cont

I just got nervous.
"Mom, Mom, are you home? Mom?"
"I'm up stairs. I'll be down in a minute. Who's here?"
"It's me Mom, Carly."
"This is a pleasant surprise. I'll be down in a minute."
"You can sit here at the kitchen table. Do you need a drink or anything?"
"A glass of water would be great." I was feeling fidgety and hoped that having something in my hands would make it better. However, I became so nervous I drank the entire glass. Carly saw what I had done and she refilled my glass. She then headed upstairs to find her mom.
She must have met her mom on the stairs.
"Carly, what a surprise. It's been awhile. What's the occasion?"
"Well, come in the kitchen and I'll tell you." I was trying to decide if Carly was wearing her biggest smile or was she trying to hide it.
Carly entered the kitchen first. "Mom...this is Brian Owens."
When Carly's mom came in the room I stood like my parents had taught me. "Brian, this is my mom Melinda."
"Hi." I said a bit too quietly.
"Carly, you didn't tell me that we had company."
"Ah...Mom he's more than company."
"Carly Anne Smith, what do you mean by that?" It took one look at Carly for Carly's Mom to know what she meant.
"You are engaged? When? Why didn't you tell us? Carly, you never told me you were dating anyone let alone dating anyone seriously."
"Well, there is a story Mom, if you'd like to hear it?"
"Sure I'd like to hear it. Do you guys need any thing to drink? I know it's a bit of a drive. I think we have some pop in the fridge."
"No, Mom, but thanks."
"I'm fine Mrs. Smith. Thank you."
"Ah, Brian is it? I'd really like it if you called me Melinda or Mel for short, you decide."
"Yes, ma'am."
Turning to Carly Melinda said, "Did he hear anything I just said?"
"Mom give him a break. He's being polite. Give him a couple of years and he'll come around."
I know Carly was just kidding, but it does take me awhile to warm up to people. Carly was different; she either forced me to do it or she was able to draw it out of me. I can't decide which, and it doesn't matter anyway.
"There's the smile I've grown to love." I felt my face get hot and I'm sure it turned a pretty shade of pink.
"Do you want me to call Dad and tell him to come home. He's got a light schedule today? Never mind, I can't wait for him to get home to hear the story you've got to tell. Before you get started let me make a phone call." We waited a few minutes for Carly's Mom to cancel an appointment she had for this afternoon. When Carly sat down she did so by me and grabbed my hand under the table. That felt reassuring.
"Okay, I'm all ears."
Because our story is really short it didn't take long. "While Brian was taking my picture I started to feel a warm tingling sensation. It was strange, but very comfortable. He had snapped a picture and then let his camera hang around his next and just looked at me. It wasn't that uncomfortable stare like something was wrong or that didn't make me feel uncomfortable. He looked at me like he was looking through me. I became lost in my own thoughts when he said, Carly, marry me. Without hesitation I told him to come and kneel in front of me, take my hands in his and ask me again. He did and I said, Yes." Carly's Mom had been dabbing her eyes with her apron. "Wow!"
When Carly had finished she laid her head on my shoulder and I kissed the top of it.
"Do you have a ring yet, girl?
"We've been shopping and have liked several rings, but none of them feel right. I want to have one and I'm getting impatient."
"I can understand that Dear, but if you wait for the right ring you will be glad you waited."
"When I say that I feel so something. I can't quite describe it. Selfish, spoiled, worldly? I know it's not about the ring. Mom, am I bad for feeling that way?"
"That depends Carly. Do you I'll be happy when I get a ring? I'll do this when I get a ring? On and on?" Melinda asked Carly.
"No. Even though I have never worn a ring on that finger I feel naked without it. Often I grab my finger and expect to feel something there, but there's nothing there and then I remember I don't have a ring yet."
"You're fine Dear. Carly does this boy enjoy a good steak?"
"Mom he does speak English, ask him." Carly replied, smiling this was some inside joke that I was not privileged to know.
"Brian, do you like steak?"
"Yes ma'am I do."
"Good, I needed a reason to fire up the grill and this is as good as any."