My Mother's Secret - A Sequel To The Summer of 1993

This Is My Life

I took the day off. I didn't want Johnny and Sean to sit alone, so we started at my grandparents house where my mom and I lived. We did not go in. We drove to Gardenciew Hospital wheee I was born. I told Johnny, "I had Bobby there. It really reminds me of the 1940's." He smiled. He looked back at him. "He reminds me of me," he said. I took him here the trailer park was, but he saw pictures of it. Me and Jackie in front playing. It was silver and navy. It was part of the bar now, but I took him to the saddest place. I drove to the old house on Colorado. It was empty. The temperatures were a bit warmer, so we got out. The back door was ajar. We moved in 2011, so it had been eleven years, We walked in. The kitchen was a mess. A few spices remained and some canned food. There was where the computer sat, where my mom lost her shit and Jamie had to calm her. Mom had nervous breakdowns, it dad was cheating on her. She deserved more from him. There was their nod, bedroom. The living room had an old couch. Squatters were here last summer. Our room was up front. Our hearts we painted as kids in fuchsia and purple were still there. Johnny starred to cry. I told him how he stayed in the basement when mom worked and dad worked. He said, "I should have fought for her."

After that they drove by her schools, by where she was babysat and they got to meet Linda. Linda was happy to meet him. There were no kids, just two old folks enjoying life.

"No fishtanks?" I asked.
"No. Too much care. Johnny, this girls spent HOURS looking at them. She was one of my special kids."
"I am sure."

She got out albums and Johnny was fascinated. "She was my pretty girl, always looking out for her sister.l. My aisrer was my best friend.  Johnny seemed like he was crying a little.  Mom called,   "Hey, I am having pot roast.  Do you and the fam want to come over?"  Johnny looked sad.  He wanted to go,  "I really don't think we can.  We are going to my husband's work party.  I will see you tomorrow for sure."  We drove past my schools, where I was never thenorim queen or the prettiest girl in the class.  I was poor and going to Lathrop as a poor girl was hard.  The buys made fun of my tits and the girls called a whore because of them.  I was not very popular.  I took them back home and we had pizzas delivered.   I was so nervous.  I wondered how mom would be.   I barely slept that night and a freezing rain fell.  It was like spring some days ands then a blizzard happened.   This weather was very strange.  Also, a storm was looming.   Johnny was leaving on Monday though.  It was forecast for Wednesday.  

     I barely slept thwt night.   Even Sam got tired of the baby making.