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.