Something in the Water

Carry On

"Hey sweetie," Hunter knocked on the bathroom door, "we're all packed when you're ready." I looked in the mirror and there wasn't enough make up in the world to mask how tired I looked between my moms death and her funeral. I did a once over in the bathroom and emerged to see Hunter's arms open. "Come here." He held me tight and I breathed him in, "You okay to go?"

I nodded and grabbed my bag as he held the door open, "Come on loves." I let the kids lead the way to the elevator, they decided who could press the button to open the door, pick the lobby and close the doors. Hunter followed, rolling the suitcase. Lynette and Leo met us in the lobby and we took two cabs to the airport, heading back to Nashville after a long, tiring week filled with tears, "I'm sorry for your loss", and sleepless nights.

As per my mom's wishes, we had her funeral and the burial. My dad gave Ali and I each a letter she wrote but I was too afraid to open it. As a family it was decided we would host Christmas in Nashville in one weeks time. We boarded the jet home, Leo and Lynette spent the day with the kids while Hunter set a bath for me. "Hey Jen, I can't imagine what you're feeling right now." He handed me my robe and kissed my head, "Please know you're not alone, I love you. We all love you."

"Thanks sweetheart. I might take a nap after." I hugged him.

"Whatever you need babe," He put one last squeeze into his hug, "I'm going to call Sam, see if they're around so I can go pick up Millie." I nodded and he got up, closing the door behind him. I slipped into the bath, smiling as I looked to see Hunter lit the vanilla and coconut candles on the counter top. I rested in the water until it lost its warmth and I retreated to the shower, washing away the accumulation of dry shampoo and excessive make up. I brushed through my hair and tied it in a braid, cuddled up in my bathrobe. I opened my purse to retrieve the white envelope with my mom's perfect cursive writing on the front. With a heavy heart,  I gently opened it to reveal a hand written letter and a newspaper clipping from the Burlington post.

Local resident, Star Student making waves in Nashville

Jenna Brighton recently released herself titled EP in hopes to make it big on the country music charts. Jenna was a graduate of both Mohawk College and McMaster University when life threw her a curve-ball. "She is so musically inclined but in her heart, she only wanted to help people. She put music aside as a hobby until Hunter (Hayes) uncovered her true talent." Annie Brighton says enthusiastically about her daughter. "It's a literally a wild dream come true."

I finished reading the article, a smile began forming as I placed the article aside and turned to the letter.

Dearest Jenna Grace,

If I know you, you debated even opening this. Please know that there are no words unsaid, no stone we haven't turned over. I am incredibly proud of the woman, wife and mother you have become. I cannot take responsibility for who you are because I realize I was not the person you needed me to be when you were younger. If anything, you are everything I wish I could've been and should've been for you.

Thank you for sharing your gift of music with so many people and staying grounded. I am sorry I never got to see Sutton sing on a stage, watch your children graduate or be more involved with them. I hope the memories they of me have are good ones. Please don't let them forget me.

Please take care of Ali and your dad. You are the rock of this family. Always have been.

I love you so much,

Mom

I tucked the contents back into the envelope and felt a sense of peace. I put the letter in a drawer and decided to get dressed, put on some make up and see if Hunter was back. I wandered downstairs to see Millie, "Hey lady," I knelt down and accepted some wet kisses, "I missed you. Were you a good girl?" Hunter walked over, a cup of coffee in hand.

"She was a perfect angel," he smiled handing me the coffee, "you look good sweetie." He kissed my cheek.

"I read the letter. Things feel good. Put to rest." I nodded, "I know I've been less than wonderful lately and I am so sorry,"

"It's okay," he interjected, "really."

"No, really, it wasn't." I lead Hunter over to the couch and told him everything from what happened on the opening night of the tour right up to reading that letter. "I can't cry anymore. She's gone, and it does suck because for a while, we were good. The distance was good for us. She wrote that she was proud of me, really. As a wife, a mom. Everything she wished she could have been when I needed it the most."

He placed a hand on my leg, "I'm glad your heart is at peace with this."

"I might just write a song about it." I smiled. "Has Norah called? I know I missed studio time and I still have a few tracks to cut."

"She did. They bumped your album back but just make the call and it will get back on track." I nodded and sent her and Nathan quick texts to book for the 27-29th. I also texted Ali, asking if she and Cade would like to come to work with me during their visit.

A: Cade would love that. How are you? Did you read the letter?

J: I did. Oddly, I feel better.

A: Me too.