Kaleidoscope

Chapter Thirty-Six

Jen was struggling. Not only had she still not told Brad about her job offer in Chicago, she still hadn't told any of her family about him at all. When it came to Danny, she thought it was just too much overload for him to deal with although she knew he was the one who would really be happy for her. Her chief concern was with Theresa. She had never wanted to mention a boyfriend to a girl who may never have one. It was terrible to think of Theresa this way, and deep down inside she felt that someone would truly love her someday. But, she feared for how Theresa would accept her sister being in love and planning a future that she may never have.

And then, of course, were her parents. They were going through so much right now that, again, she didn't want to burden them. Her dad would probably be happy for her but her mom would see it as losing her daughter at a time when she needed some normalcy in her life. Not to mention what her reaction would be to Jen possibly going to Chicago. She remembered her mom's reaction when Danny wanted to go away to school, giving him a guilt trip about not staying around when he was needed. She wouldn't let herself be caught up in guilt.

In the meantime, Saturday was approaching rapidly and she knew she had to have the discussion with Brad first. He meant the world to her and she thought they would be able to survive a long-distance relationship, but she also didn't want to hurt him. She really wanted this job and she wanted Brad and she didn't know if the two were compatible.

Just as she was deep in thought, she got a text from Danny.

"Can you talk now?" it said.

"Absolutely," she answered.

Her phone immediately rang and for the moment she was relieved not to be thinking about her problems.

"What's up, little brother?" she asked Danny, hoping for his sake and for hers that he had good news.

"I made a big step, Jen. I just turned all my pills into the police department-no questions asked. In fact, they saw what I was turning in and wished me luck. I guess that means I'm ready for the rehab center."

"That is such good news, Danny. I know Mom and Dad know, but does Theresa know as well?'

"Yeah, Mom told her and she was really understanding. Things might be turning around for the two of us once I get clean. Hey, you're getting ready to graduate soon, aren't you? I hope I can leave the center to go to the graduation. I'm really proud of you, Jen, and you've been a real rock for me."

"I've always had faith in you, Danny, and I knew you could lick this. Do you need me to take you?"

"No, Sis, I'm planning just to take a cab. I really need to do this on my own. I have some things to prove to myself and my family."

Tears began to form at the corners of Jen's eyes when she realized how much Danny had grown up in the last year. She dreaded being the one to add more angst to the family now. Maybe she should just forget the job in Chicago. There were sure to be other offers in the area. But, this one was so good and at such a well-renowned hospital it was tugging at her. And Brad and her family were pulling at her heartstrings. She wished she had someone else to talk to for advice.

Saturday night snuck up on her and she spent all day rehearsing the words she would say to Brad. Perhaps she was making something out of nothing and he would be very enthusiastic about her job offer. Now that they had made their declarations of love to each other, she felt there would be a new level of understanding between them.

She stood in front of her mirror trying to decide what to wear. They were going to a special restaurant for dinner and she wanted to look her best. Words filtered through her head as rapidly as she changed outfits. First and foremost, she needed him to understand how much she loved him. But, how would he feel about her going so far away so early in their relationship? Yes, they were in love, but it was still all so new and now she was about to put it to its test.