Kindness

Bittersweet Love

Rick was at work when I started packing. It was my day off. I didn’t have much to pack anyway. He didn’t let me bring much over to his apartment; even though it was supposed to be our place. Out kindness I never told Rick how that hurt me.

When I had my bag and a suitcase packed I looked around the apartment and sighed.

“God give me the strength to never return.”

I was on the train out of town before I realized I was heading home. I hadn’t been back there in five years. After Drake’s accident I decided not to look back. It’s been ten years since the accident actually occurred. He would be twenty-nine now.

 It was late when I arrived. The wind had started to pick up and the smell of rain was in the air. I took the bus and got off at the stop closest to my father’s house. From there I walked two blocks before the rain started pouring down. I ran the rest of the way trying to protect the clothes in my bag while trying not to trip over my suitcase.

By the time I reached his house I was soaked and shivering. Rebecca opened the door surprised to see me. She brought me a change of clothes, made hot chocolate with marshmallows, and put my wet clothes in the dryer. My suitcase and bag were sitting by the fireplace.

“Gabbie honey, I’m shocked to see you. I’m glad your back. I’ve missed you.” She smiled.

“Yea well, I thought I’d take a break from the big city and visit home for a while. Or maybe even stay.” I said.

“That’s great news. I have so much to tell you and your father will be so happy to see you. He’s still at work as usual.” She laughed.  “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

She held me in a hug and I listened to her heartbeat along with the pitter patter of the rain.

“I can’t believe it either.” I said. “Something just told me to come back. Plus I’ve missed you guys so much.”

Just then the backdoor opened and sounds of laughter flooded the house. I turned around and looked over the couch to see who it was. Ruth came in with a mischievous smile on her lips, high heels in one hand, and somebodies arm around her waist.

“Hey Rebecca!” she laughed. “OMG Gabbie your home!”

I strained to see who was behind her. He turned around and headed to close the back door before I could take a glance at his face.

“Oh hi Ruth. When did you move in?” I said. “I thought you were staying with our mother.”

“Oh no, I didn’t move in silly. I just come to visit like usual.” She laughed again.

“Would you like some hot chocolate honey?” Rebecca chimed in. “I was just about to tell Gabbie the good news.”

Rebecca held my hands and looked me in the eyes. I was confused. Ruth came behind her with a smirk on her face.

“Drake finally woke up out of the coma. He’s been living with us for four years now. One day he just opened his eyes and called out for us. I was so happy.” She said with tears in her eyes. “I couldn’t figure out a way to contact you. You see you changed your cell phone number, moved, and I didn’t know when you’d be back. It’s wonderful that after six years he finally woke up. I thank God for this.”

I sat there looking from Rebecca to Ruth stunned. Drake was awake. He was okay. He was really okay. I exhaled realizing I’d been holding my breath.

For the first time when I cried it was out of happiness.

Through watery eyes I turned around the couch to see an older Drake in the doorway. I smiled glad to see his face. Then Ruth crossed the room, embraced Drake and kissed him on his cheek.

“Drake, say hi to Gabbie my older sister.” She smiled looking toward me.

I was confused again. Drake knew me and why was Ruth touching Drake like that?  I looked at Rebecca questioningly.

“Oh uh, you see when Drake woke up he sort of had a bit of memory loss. He remembers everything really, except for you.” She said sadly. “He has no recollection of meeting you and since you moved it was unlikely he would ever remember you. We tried showing him pictures, but it seemed hopeless. I’m sorry. Ever since then Jocelyn’s come by to visit him and now they’re dating.”

“How long have you been dating?” I asked looking to the floor.

            “Hmm.” She giggled. “About two years now, right baby?”

            “Yea.” He said with happiness in his voice. “Look I’m sorry I don’t remember you. So let’s start over. I’m Drake Slade.”

            I looked at his outstretched hand and wanted to slap it away. Out of kindness I shook it and forced myself not to cry.

            “I’m Ruth Berkingston. But I’d like it better if you called me Gabriella.”

He looked at Ruth confused.

“Yea it’s true we’re both named Ruth Berkingston.” She laughed. “Our mom wanted twins. Long story short she named us both Ruth. But as you know we have different middle names, Gabbie and Jocelyn.”

I stood, grabbed my hot chocolate, and headed to the stairs.

“I’m a little tired from the long train ride. Is my room still the same?” I asked.

“Oh sure Gabbie, your father and I remodeled again. There’s a whole other floor now. Your room is on the top floor with Drake’s.”

In bed I could still hear Ruth’s laughter slipping through the floor boards. Or maybe I focused on it. Lying on my side I looked out the window at the rain falling and wrote another poem in my head.

Though I may be freezing now

Our love torn apart

I can’t seem to forget how

You slipped into my heart

 This chapter doesn’t have a bible verse yet.