"I want you and you want me. Nothing else matters."
Four years ago, Rachel Evans was destroyed by the only boy she ever loved. Ever since then, she has tried to rebuild her life, but when her safety net--her boyfriend, job, friends, and family--di...
That weekend, I call Teresa Ortiz. I'm probably crazy for adding something else to my hectic schedule, but Josh is right. Helping people does make me happy, and maybe if I fill my life outside of work with things that make me happy, I can survive my 60 day probation at the Post.
"Hello, you've reached Teresa Ortiz at the National Literacy Council. How may I help you?"
"Uh, hi, Teresa." I start to pace through my bedroom. "You probably don't remember me, but my name's Rachel Evans. I met you briefly when I did an interview on the literacy program you're starting at Round Two Ranch in Columbus."
"Rachel, yes, of course I remember! I read your piece; you did such a great job. You're very talented." I almost laugh--she might be the only one who thinks so these days. "What can I help you with? Another article?"
"Actually, I'm not calling on behalf of the Post. Just as--well, me. I'm really interested in the work that you're doing, and I was wondering if the Columbus program needs any more volunteers?" "Yes, yes, of course! We always need volunteers. I'll put you in touch with Genevieve Trinka, the head of that program, and she'll help you get started." "Oh, that's perfect!" A smile spreads across my face. "Thank you so much. I'm really excited."
"No, thank you, Rachel. We need more dedicated volunteers like you, especially in growing programs like the one in Columbus."
She rattles off Genevieve's phone number and I jot it down on a post-it note, my excitement growing. I know next to nothing about literacy education besides what I learned from my research for that article, but America's literacy rate still blows my mind. I can imagine few gifts better than reading and writing, the keys to communication and education. I call Genevieve immediately afterwards and we arrange for me to visit the program next week and observe before going through the training.
When I hang up, I see that I missed a call from Mom. I've avoided calling my parents for a few weeks because I dread telling them about Josh. Now that we're officially together, however, I can't keep this from them. I can almost hear what they'll say. What's wrong with you, Rachel? Why would you let him back in your life? Don't you remember what he did to you? Still, I need to tell them. I know Dad will be understanding, but Mom? She might threaten to have me kidnapped, hauled back to Pennsylvania, and locked into an asylum.
I press the phone icon and return her call. As it rings, I debate the best way to break the news. Hi, Mom. Remember Josh? Yeah, the one who broke my heart. Well, guess what? We're in love! This isn't going to end well.
"Hello? Who's this?" Mom says through the phone, her voice sour.
"Hi, Mom."
"Rachel? My long-lost daughter? I was ready to report you as a missing person!"
"I texted you yesterday."
"But you haven't called in a month. A month, Rachel! I'm starting to think you don't even miss us." Mom lays the guilt on thick, and it works. I'm a terrible daughter.
"I know, Mom. Work has been....rough."
She sighs dramatically. "You could always come home! I'm sure Tina would give you your job back, and Emmalee still hasn't found a new roommate."
Going back to my old life is about as appealing as a bowl of raw broccoli. No thanks. "I'm not moving back home, Mom, I've just been busy. Is Dad there? I have something to tell you guys."
"I'll get him!" I can hear her cover the phone before screaming at the top of her lungs, "Honey! It's Rachel! Remember her? She has something to tell us!"
"Can you put me on speakerphone?"
"How do I do that?" Mom asks, her voice distant as she struggles with her phone.
"The button that says 'speaker'," I answer, rolling my eyes. Parents and technology were never meant to coincide.
"Here it is!" she yells into the phone just as it goes on speaker, nearly deafening me. "Now we're both here! Honey, say hi to Rachel."
"Hi, Rachel! We miss you!" Dad's voice is as warm and sweet as ever, calming my nerves. Oh, thank goodness. I can't imagine trying to break this news to Mom without Dad there to calm her down.
"I have something to tell you." I draw in a deep breath and the tightening feeling in my chest returns. "Josh and I are dating again."
~~~~~
How do you think Rachel's family will respond to the news about Josh? Have you ever brought a boy/girlfriend home to meet the parents? Tell us the story in the comments!
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