The Existence of Reconcilable Differences

Chapter Two

She slept most of the flight. Several yawns fell out of her mouth but she carried on. Finally, the plane settled in Tucson, Arizona. A sense of relief washed over her body. It took some time but those shamrock-colored eyes met Dani's chocolate-roasted eyes and both of their arms shot up with such exhilaration that one could feel it from miles away. Mary had been holding up a sign that said, "Welcome Home Little Dani!" written so elegantly.

"Oh, Dani! I've missed you so, so, so, so much!" Mary kissed her head about four times, leaving red lipstick residue before she pulled back and analyzed her face.

"I've missed you too."

"You look so beautiful. My Dani... come, let me take your bags." Mary had no qualms with holding the bags. She was rangy with the body of an Amazon woman. Her enduring red hair flowed behind her shoulders and it loosely curled at the ends. She looked as though she had a professional stylist on standby at all times. Mary was exactly how Dani remembered her – stunning and classy like Raquel Welch.

Mary carefully placed the bags in the trunk and hopped in the driver's seat. She flashed a smile revealing her confident teeth, and twisted the keys. Soon enough, they were well on their way to the house that Dani hadn't seen since they first moved in, which was about 7 years ago. Dani assisted in their move and stayed the summer causing havoc with Gunner.

"How have you been, sweetie?"

"I've been... living." Her mood seeped down a bit.

"Honey, I'd like to apologize for not showing up at the funeral..."

Dani softly interjected. "Mary, it's fine. I understand. I'm just happy that you came to visit him in the hospital at least. And... I'm happy I'm here with you." She tried to brighten up her mood with a forced smile.

"I have a job at this boutique shop for you. It's a cashier position. I painted your room – the walls were chipping and I didn't want you to come home to a dingy-looking room. It's a creme de la creme shade. But, if you don't like it, you can paint it whatever color you'd like. I've been searching for a dance company and found the perfect place." Time and time again, Dani wished Mary was her biological mother. Mary had always cared and catered to Dani's every need as if she was in labor with her some 24 years ago.

"Mary... I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you... for everything." Tears bubbled up but she held it back.

"Anything for you."

About 25 minutes went by and they finally arrived in a distantly recognizable neighborhood; a neighborhood Dani remembered running up and down and around and around – all the while, holding Gunner's hand. Driving past the ice cream shop, which was surprisingly still in business, flashed a memory of Gunner feeding her a scoop of his banana split that had pieces of Oreos scrambled in it.

"I can't believe that ice cream shop is still open." Dani blurted out as a smile lived on her lips.

"Yeah, not a lot has changed around here."

They pulled up to the enormous home; the grass was a frighteningly perfect shade of green and the sun's rays hit it at the perfect angle. She remembered the house was painted a maroon color with white outlines.

"Home sweet home!" Mary turned the car off and eagerly hopped out. Dani followed and grabbed her bags.

She trailed behind Mary who led the way to the grand wooden front doors. The porch still had the swinging love seat and a few books were scattered on a little table next to it.

Mary shifted the door open and held it for Dani. The staircase had been on her left side and a wide hallway was straight ahead, showing the kitchen. To her right, was the broad living room which was festered up with elegant and modern tailored furniture. A chimney centered in between the two charcoal-colored couches and in the midst of it all, the chandelier suspended from the ceiling.