One Boy's Journey Chapter 21

Written by Brianna Demonet

The week before the recital was a whirlwind of activity. My therapist said I was doing well. I was writing in my therapy notebook/diary as much as I was doing homework. We talked about my intimate desires with John and boys in general.

We also talked about a few mini-episodes I had. She warned me to keep a close eye on it and call her if anything happens. She offered anti-depression medication; I said no again.

She said she would talk to my endocrinologist about my hormone therapy as a way to treat my depression. I told her I wasn't depressed. My life is fantastic. I have good friends, great grades, and the most wonderful boyfriend a girl could ever have.

She asked if I was sure, and I said I was sure. Truth be told I haven't woken up in a cold sweat in weeks. I had a couple of mini-attacks, and I was home, but I wrote it down immediately, and I even woke up Aunt V and talked to her. Aunt V wasn't upset that I woke her up. We talked for an hour before going to bed. I slept with her a couple of times.

I don't want to start therapy two or more times a week. I have way too many things to do.

I skipped gymnastics on Saturday afternoon and went to ballet practice. On Monday and Wednesday, skipping my karate practice. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday night was rehearsal. Saturday most of the day was dress rehearsal.

The rehearsal was over at 2 pm. Mom and Mr Mumford were due at the airport at 5:10 pm. Cathy and Caleb were due at 5:35 pm. I used every second I had getting ready to see my Mom. Aunt V and I went through at least a dozen different outfits.

I settled on a bright pink sweater dress and my favorite black knee-high boots with 3" heels and a black waist belt. My makeup and nails are all pink and conservative with false eyelashes. Aunt V is always in business fashion. Black double breast coat dress and black leather knee high boots.

We were standing as the jet pulled into the gate. I was so excited. I was jittery as I could be. Aunt V saw it. She put her hand on my shoulder. She whispered, easy honey everything is going to be great.

But what if she doesn't like my look? What if she doesn't like my friends? I don't want to disappoint her Aunt V.

Rianna! You, young lady, are not a disappointment! You're a beautiful, good-hearted young woman. Breathe, Ree, just breathe. Aunt V turned me to look in her eyes.

She knelt down a little and looked at me square in the eyes. Ree you got this! Relax be the girl you are, the niece I love! Be the daughter you have grown up to be. Your mother loves you Rianna.

Just then the flight attendant opened the jetway. Passengers started to disembark. All of a sudden I saw my Mom. She looked beautiful and very happy. Mr Mumford was right behind her. He looked very handsome and more clean-cut than I remember.

The crowd cleared a little,

Mom!!! I cried!

Sweetheart! She replied with equal enthusiasm!

We hugged tightly! Our breasts are pressed together.

Oh, my sweetie, let me look at you. I did a slow ballerina-style spin.

You're so beautiful, Ree!

So are you, Mom?

You remember Dan. Hello Mr Milford I hugged him tightly too.

Ohh my! Rianna you look lovely. Thank you, sir.

Dan, please Rianna.

Call me Ree, please, Dan.

Yes Ma'am! He said to me with a bright smile.

Welcome to Las Vegas, said Aunt V.

Vanessa, I cannot begin to thank you for everything.

It's been a pleasure Brenda, Dan it's good to see you.

You too Vanessa.

Let's grab your bags first. We have to pick up Cathy and Caleb and then we will get some dinner. Vanessa said.

We waited for Caleb and Cathy. They smiled the second they saw us together.

We got their bags and went to Papa Vito's.

We had a great meal. I had the Veal Parmesan. Aunt V was very insistent on me eating meat at least once a day. Mom just stared at me during dinner.

I am so proud of you honey. You have changed so much.

Mr Milford recognized Caleb's name.

Are you the Caleb Elgin from Notre Dame?

Yes sir! Caleb said with a respectful tone.

The defensive back that had two interceptions in the Citrus Bowl?

Yes.

I'm honored to meet you, young man.

The pleasure is mine, Dan. I heard what you did for our Rianna.

She speaks very highly of you. I must say you and Brenda make a handsome couple.

Thank you, Caleb.

My Mom blushed.

Dan had to be late 40's early 50's my mom wasn't even 34 years old yet.

Mom?

Yes, sweetie?

I know this is a forward question but are you going to be looking for homes while you are here?

Yes, sweetie, we will. Why do you ask?

Because I love my school and friends and I really would hate to move again.

Not to worry, honey, no matter what happens, you will finish high school here.

Good because I have an announcement to make. I applied to UNLV for college courses for the summer and was accepted. After the summer, I can take regular classes at College, getting both college and high school credits. If I do it correctly, I can start college as a sophomore right out of high school.

Everyone started congratulating me. Cathy and Caleb were beaming at me as was everyone.

I see you took my advice to heart Ree.

I sure did Cathy.

You picked a great role model Ree my Mom said.

She sure did says Dan.

Dan kissed my forehead. I just smiled. For a few moments, I was wondering what it would be like to have him as my Dad. His kiss fell very fatherly. It felt great.

We finished dinner and drove back to the house. Mom was asking about my friends and John. John was the biggest subject. Mom was a bit worried about him being 16 and me just turning 14.

In the living room, Aunt V came to my rescue about John.

John is a very nice young man. We spent Thanksgiving with him and his family. Aunt V and Cathy said.

Mom asked if they knew about me. John's mother knows about Rianna. Yon has been very supportive and helpful with Ree and her PTSD. Ree has been very respectful of their culture and has shown a genuine interest in Korean culture and cooking.

My Mom and Cathy were all smiles. Caleb gave me his caring big brother look I saw when visiting the vineyard.

Dan looked at me and said I am very impressed, Ree. You did a 180 from the person I used to know. Keep it up, Ree! I kissed his cheek.

I showed Mom and Dan my room. Mom was stunned by the closet full of clothes. My bathroom had the Hair dryer on the counter.

What's this? Pointing at the dryer and the hot rollers.

My friends and I roll each other's hair. It's a blast!

Just then Cathy walked in. She's very good at it too. She does mine. Speaking of that can you do mine again? Sure! I said.

Ohh! This I have to see, said Mom.

Cathy came back after her shower and we got down to business. Mom gave me a couple of pointers, but otherwise; she was impressed.

Caleb walked in and said, oh great rollers again!

Sorry babe said Cathy I love it and my little sister here is great at it.

Nice work Ree said, Mom.

Thanks, Mom.

Caleb and Cathy left to get ready for bed.

Mom said okay, Ree, let me see how you're developing.

I stripped down to my thong. She looked at me with a critical eye.

My, my, you are developing into a beautiful young woman. Wow, you are a C-cup!

I was concerned about your naval piercings but it suits you. You are very toned and trim. I hope you are eating well.

I am Mom, Aunt V, Martina and John are very watchful. I grabbed my black lace bodysuit. That's very lovely. Thanks, I love it too.

I put on my 4" mules and modeled it for her.

Ree, I am so proud of you. You are lovely.

Thanks, Mom... Mom?

Yes, honey. I know how bitter and angry I was when I left home, but I have to admit I have never been happier than I am right now.

I have a great circle of friends, I love school, I have a boyfriend and we go to all the dances and events. I dare say I am popular now.

That's great honey.

Mom, when are you moving out west?

Soon, honey, I have a lot of work to finish back home, and we still have to settle the lawsuit with the Newhouse family.

Mom?

Yes?

Are you going to marry Dan?

Ree!!!!

Come on Mom! I see how you two look at each other.

Dan has been wonderful and very supportive of me.

Mom, how do you feel about him?

Ree, I think I love him. I really do. I have not been around too many men after your father left us.

Dan has not asked me for anything except my time. He's been great.

Mom, you should know he is a good man. He always watched out for us weaker kids in school. He might be just a janitor but that doesn't mean he isn't a great guy.

I know Ree, but I didn't know what you would think.

I think he'd make a wonderful step-dad, I said.

Ree!!!

Sorry, Mom, you didn't see him in action like I did. He saved my life. The doctor said if it had not been for his first aid and documentation of the scene, I would have died, and those boys could have gotten away with it.

So I should award him by marrying him?

No! I am saying he's a true protector. An honest man of good values. All I mean to say is if he asks you to marry him you have my approval.

Oh, Ree!!! She hugged me, how did you get to be so smart?

I have a great Mom.

We need to get some rest we have brunch at the country club in the morning.

Okay, Ree, night, night, sweetie.

Good night Mom.

The next morning was a recital day. I woke up at 7 am, I was the first one up. I started the coffee and water for Tea. I went back upstairs and put on my swimsuit to do some laps. I just finished two laps and here comes Caleb.

He dives in as I start my 3rd lap. I didn't try to race him today. Caleb was a bit disappointed. I got out after 16 laps.

Caleb was like, Come on!

Sorry, Caleb, I can't wear myself out today.

Okay, I will give you that, This time!

We laughed. Cathy came out with rollers still in her hair.

Did I miss it?

No, I quit early today. I just wanted to get a few in this morning.

Mom and Dan walk out holding hands.

What did we miss? Dan asked.

Nothing this time. When we visited last month, Caleb raced Ree in the pool; he barely beat her last time. Cathy said.

Really! Mom said. Sounding impressed.

She's fast! Said Caleb, the girl can swim.

Sorry, I missed it. Mom said smiling.

There will be a rematch soon Mom. I pointed at Caleb, and he pointed back playfully, taunting me. We were smiling.

How far along are you Cathy? My Mom asked.

Damn it! Cathy said. Almost 14 weeks, you can't say a word. I want to surprise my parents. They have been after us for kids for almost 4 years. I want to tell them on Christmas Day.

You might have to tell them earlier, sweetie, that the secret is popping out on you. My Mom said.

Your secret is safe with us, said Dan.

Ree can you help me in the garage for a minute, Dan asked.

Sure thing. We walk in the garage. Dan looks before closing the door.

Rianna, I have something I want to talk to you about. Dan said.

Okay???

Ree, I am in love with your mother, I know I am quite a bit older than she is. But I really love her. My kids are grown up. My wife passed away a few years ago. I never thought I would fall in love again. But, I would like your permission to ask your Mom to marry me.

My jaw just dropped, and I started to cry.

I didn't mean to upset you. Dan said.

No, no, no! You didn't upset me, Dad, I mean Dan. Yes! You have my permission.

Now the other half of the subject.

What's that? I looked at him quizzingly.

I want to adopt you after we are married.

You want me to be your daughter?

Ree, I love your mother and you are a big part of her life. I always thought you were a good kid. I would be proud to have you as my daughter.

I started crying and hugged him tightly.

After a solid minute, he said come on, kiddo, get it together. I want to propose on Christmas with the ring.

Does that mean you want to move out west?

Yes, sweetie, You built a great life for yourself! I'd never ask you to go back there.

Ohh!! Daddy. I hugged him again.

I guess that's a yes.

Yes, yes! I would not have gotten a second chance at life if you hadn't shown up when you did. You saved my life, Dan.

That's what dads do! He said. Hush, now we better get back. We have to get ready. Today is a big day!

I kissed his cheek and smiled. He kissed my forehead.

There's my stylist. Can you help me with the rollers, Ree? Cathy asked.

Coming!!! I said with music in my voice.

I helped Cathy with her hair and we all started getting ready for brunch.

We loaded up in the Escalade and headed to the country club.

Ree, do you and Vanessa do this every Sunday? Mom asked.

Pretty much, most of the school's parents are members. You guys will meet my friends Lexi and Emma today. Lexi helped me with Cheerleading and we met Emma at Cheer camp. We all practiced together and made the squad together.

Will we meet John today? Mom asked.

Tonight he and his family are coming to the recital. You may also meet Julius Rowe, John's best friend. You will also meet Shelly, my ballet mentor. Shelly is our lead dancer.

We rolled up to the door and started walking into the club. It wasn't crowded yet. We pulled two tables together. Minutes later Taylor and Lexi walked in. About a minute later Linda walked in with Emma.

I waved them over to our table with enthusiasm. I stood up and started introducing everyone. I was very excited and proud. Taylor and Linda took an instant liking to Mom and Dan. Lexi, Emma, and I went to the buffet and gave the adults time to talk.

Your mother is so young looking said Emma!

Agreed said Lexi.

She was 19 when I was born. I said.

Caleb is a very handsome man, said Lexi.

He's a big teddy bear, I said.

Are you excited about tonight? Asked Lexi.

Excited and very nervous.

I bet it's great seeing your Mom after so long Emma said.

It is, I really missed her.

She and Dan look happy together, do you think they'll get married? Asked Lexi.

If they do I approve, I said.

Dan was the person that saved my life.

Isn't he the janitor of the school?

Yes, but he's also a retired Police officer. Dan is a good man. He always looked out for us weaker kids at school when he could. He hates bullies.

Dan is helping my Mom with renovations of our old house and the salon my Mom owns.

So, will your Mom be moving out here soon? Emma asked

I hope so, I miss her so much. Don't get me wrong, I love Aunt V, but for as long as I remember, it has always been my Mom and me.

We got our food and went back to the table. All the adults are deep in conversation about "getting to know you".

Shelly stopped by our table and said hi. I introduced her to my Mom and Dan. I almost slipped and said, Dad.

Anita stopped by.

Just as we were getting ready to leave Kelly and Cheryl came by.

I introduced them to everyone.

Cheryl had a big smile on her face. Cheryl said, guess what?

You made the squad! We girls answered in unison.

Yes! she squeaked!

Lexi, Emma, and I got up and congratulated and hugged her.

Great job I said. I knew you'd make it! You earned it! We were genuinely happy for Cheryl.

Thanks to you girls I made it, said Cheryl.

We were happy we could help. I said.

It was nice meeting everyone, I just wanted to tell you all how happy and grateful I am. Happy Holidays!

Wow! I didn't see that coming, said Lexi.

It looks like Kelly and Cheryl buried the hatchet too, said Emma.

I just hope we don't have any more issues, I said.

I doubt it said Emma, she got what she wanted.

This time she earned it said Lexi.

I saw Cathy and Mom just smiling at us. Dan said you have some very special friends Ree Ree!

Ree Ree, he called me Ree Ree! I thought to myself. Thanks, Dan!

We finished brunch and would meet up later at my recital.

We got home at noon, more than enough time to get ready for the 3pm curtain time. I had to be there at 2pm. It was 1pm when I put on my dance undergarments and was putting on my foundation when the doorbell rang.

It was Taylor and Lexi. I was surprised to see them.

Taylor said you didn't think I'd let my daughter's best friend go on stage without a proper updo for her big event, did you?

I hugged Taylor right there.

I led Taylor to my room with Lexi. Taylor straightened my curls and tied my hair in a high dancer's bun. My hair looked like Natalie Portman's from the Black Swan movie, It was perfect.

I kissed her cheek and hugged her and thanked her again.

Lexi said, "Break a leg"!

We arrived at 1:50 pm. Backstage was buzzing when we walked in. Shelly was already there dressed in the first costume. Mom and Taylor asked if they could help. The more the merrier, said Mistress Walker

I Introduced my Mom and Taylor to Mistress Walker. Mistress Walker was very thankful for the last-minute help. While we prepared, Caleb, Cathy, Lexi, Aunt V, and Dan/dad got settled in their seats.

My mind was buzzing with excitement. I was nervous too. The Parks sat right next to us. Immediately behind my guest was Julius Rowe and his family. I saw Caleb making introductions. The junior college auditorium could seat over 2000 people, and it was filling up fast.

Mistress Walker was doing last-minute light and sound checks. We lined up backstage waiting for our queue. The main curtain closed and Mistress Walker said, Places everyone!

The show is about to begin. As we all formed up, the MC announced there was no flash photography allowed during the performance for the safety of the dancers. My palms were sweating.

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