Here With Me (29 page)

I have to tell you, I went out for seafood the other night and I had a plate of clams (fried though).  It reminded me of the night we first hung out.  I never told you, but you looked ridiculous in those goulashes.  The clams were good though, even if they were a little strange.  You never did take me for stuffies or hot weenies though.  I just thought I’d remind you of that. 

How’s your mom doing?  I think of her a lot.  Is she back at the diner?  And how’s Kenna?  Is New York being good to her?

I can’t tell you how proud I am of you and how relieved I am that you’re okay.  I really like getting your letters and hearing what you’re up to.  I’m looking forward to your next one.

Love,

Ryan

April 15, 2008

Dear Paige,

Thank you for your letter.  Yes, I was surprised to see it waiting for me.  I’m glad we had our talk before I left.  Hopefully we can see each other more when I get home.

I love Brady’s curiosity.  He’s such a smart kid.  Tell him Brazil is amazing and he needs to visit here someday.  And tell Mackenzie I’ll be sure to get her a pretty doll.
You’ve got some fun kids. 

I’m sorry this isn’t longer, but I’m really busy today and I wanted to write you while I can.  Tell the kids and Justin hi for me.  I love you guys.

Mallory

April 22, 2008

Dear Ryan,

Please accept my apologies for not taking you for stuffies and hot weenies.  But to be fair, you mentioned a trip to the Grand Canyon, which you never came through with, so I guess we’re even.  Let’s add them to our to do list. 

Mom’s doing great.  She’s still doing therapy, but she’s gone back to work a few hours a week, which I think is her salvation.  She writes me all the time and she sounds upbeat. 
Kenna’s doing good too.  I think New York definitely agrees with her.  She’s got a new boyfriend who she seems pretty enamored with.  Let’s see how long it lasts.

You’ve piqued my interest with your new assignment.  Whatever it is, I hope it makes you happy.

I haven’t been back to the Alemeo.  It got pretty bad there for a while and most of us were told to stay out.  We’ll probably go back once things get a little better.  I hope so anyway.  Even though it’s scary, I really like helping the people there.  It satisfies the do-gooder in me.  I don’t think I’ll ever let you live that one down.

And just so you know, I look forward to your letters too.

Love,

Mallory

May 1, 2008

Dear Mallory,

I apologize that it’s been a while since I wrote you.  I’m a terrible grandmother.  You’ve been getting my emails though, so I guess I’m not as bad as I’m painting myself out to be. By the way, thank you for attaching those pictures to your last email.  I actually have the one of you on the beach as my desktop on my computer.  South America seems to agree with you.  You look radiant!

Your mother continues to make progress.  She’s been staying with me for the most part and we’ve actually enjoyed each other.  I know you thought we’d kill each other, but Claire and I are doing great and to be truthful, I like the company in the evenings.  I know you’re grandfather passed away nearly ten years ago, but the house still gets lonely at night without him and Claire helps with that. 

Work has been rather slow, what with the housing crash and all.  I’ve got a couple of listings I’m working on right now and one seems rather promising.   I can only hope things start to pick up again.  Perhaps it’s time for me to retire.  What do you think?

I love you.  Take care of yourself.

Grandma Jane

May 4, 2008

Dear Mallory,

Just so you know, I didn’t forget about the Grand Canyon trip.  Yes, we’ll have to add that to
our to do list, even though I didn’t know we had one.  I’m glad we do though.  We’ll have to think of some more things to add to it, like skydiving or running the Boston Marathon.  What do you want to add?

Have you gone back to the
Alameo?  Every day I wonder if you have and I hope you’re okay.  Yes, perhaps I’m worrying too much, but you’ve only got a month left and I’d like you to come back in one piece.  I didn’t think I’d worry this much because you’re strong, but I do worry, because the thought of something happening to you, it just, well…nevermind.  Just be careful.

I’m still in D.C., but things are looking up.  I’m pretty excited about what’s next for me.  I just hope everything works out.  Sorry to be so cryptic, but you know how it is. 

Miss you.

Love,

Ryan

May 16, 2008

Dear Ryan,

I have to admit, I kind of like the fact you’re worried about me, although I assure you, you don’t need to
be.  I’m careful and I love it here.  I went back to the Alameo last week.  I don’t think I’ll get a chance to go back there before I come home next month, so I’m glad I had the opportunity.  Things seemed calmer this time.  I was able to work with a teenager named Alicia.  She’d seen her brother gunned down in the streets.  It was something to do with drugs.  Her parents are both dead too, so the poor girl is a mess.  We talked for a while before she spoke with one of the psychiatrists.  It was an interesting conversation because my Portuguese isn’t great and her English is broken, but despite that, we were able to communicate.  She was a sweet girl and I really hope she’ll be okay.  That’s going to be the hardest part about leaving.  Wondering what’s happened to the people I was able to help here.  I’ve just got to remember I helped them while I was here and there will be people here after I leave that will continue to help them. 

I still can’t believe I come home next month.  The time has flown.  This experience has been even more awesome than I thought it would be.  Before this, I felt trapped and I didn’t even realize it because I was always thinking about what could be.  I had these visions in my head of how I wanted my life to be and doing this was part of that.  I never thought I’d do it, and now that I have, I think my life is just where I want it.  I had this opportunity, but I’m ready to go home.  Being away made me realize how much I really love it.  I want to be in Kennebunkport.  I want to be with my family.  I’m just glad I had the chance to realize that.  Anyway, I’m babbling now and it’s late and I have to get up early.  I miss you too.

Love,

Mallory

May 28, 2008

Dear Mallory,

I’m not even sure this will even get to you before you leave, but I had to send you one more letter.  I can’t believe you’ll be home in 13 days!  Your grandma and I are so excited to have you home.  We’ve missed you.

The house will be all ready for you when you get back.  I’ve kind of gotten used to staying at Mom’s house, so I’m not sure how soon I’ll move back in.  Soon, I hope.  I got some new furniture for the living room I’m looking forward to breaking in.  I think it’ll be comfortable while I read my books or watch the game.  The Sox have had a good season this year so far, although I doubt they’ll win the World Series again.  Not that you care about that anyway. 

It’s still a little chilly here in the mornings and evenings, but hopefully it’ll start warming up soon.  I hate this indecisive time of year.  I’m sure it’ll be blazing hot before we know and then we’ll be begging for the cool weather again.

Sorry this is short, but I want to get this in the mail and hope you get it in time.  We can’t wait to see you! 

Love,

Mom

June 1, 2008

Dear Mallory,

You’re probably getting all your stuff ready to go home, so I’m sure you’re busy.  I’ve got a lot going on too, but I wanted you to know I’ll be out of touch for a while.  I’ve got a lot going on, but I didn’t want to just up and disappear.  I want to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed our letters.  I’ve missed you and I’m glad to know you’re happy. That’s all I ever wanted for you and I’m glad you found it.  I’ll be in touch.  Take care of yourself.

Love,

Ryan

Chapter Forty

She didn’t know why, but she was nervous as they neared Kennebunkport.  Maybe it was because the adventure was over and she was returning to real life.  After six months in another country, she’d return to the ER and to dinner at Mabel’s every Sunday night.  It would all be as it’d been before she left, which she was okay with because she’d finally done what she’d always wanted to do.  During her time away she realized her heart was in Maine and she didn’t want to be anywhere else. 

“I’m glad you’re home,” her mother had said numerous times on the drive home and Mallory knew she meant it by the way she kept turning around from the front seat.  She didn’t realize how much she’d missed her family until she’d seen her mother and grandmother waiting for her at the airport.  They’d squeezed her so tightly, she thought she’d burst.  But now that they were almost home, it was as if she’d never left. 

When they pulled into the driveway, Mallory felt her stomach do a flop in excitement.  She went in first and smiled as she looked around.  It all looked the same, except for the new furniture her mother had mentioned. 

“It like it, Mom,” she said as they walked into the living room. “It really livens up the place.”

“It’s a whole lot more comfortable too,” she said with a smile. 

“You must be exhausted, Mallory,” her grandmother said as she set he
r purse on the coffee table before taking a seat on the new couch.

“I am a little tired,” she agreed.

“Why don’t you go to bed?”

“It’s only 7:30, Grandma,” Mallory said.

“Yes, but you’ve been flying all day.  You should get some sleep because tomorrow you’re back to real life,” her grandmother added.

“Real life doesn’t start till Monday.  I’m taking the rest of the week to get settled before going back to work.”

“Are you sure that’s enough time?” her mother asked, easing herself onto the other end of the couch.  Mallory followed and sat in the recliner.

“It’s plenty of time.  What else do I have to do? 
Kenna’s in New York, Cole’s in Boston.  I’m going to be pretty bored for the foreseeable future,” she laughed.

“Oh, I’m sure that will not be the case.  Every time a chapter ends, a new one begins.  This is another new chapter,” her grandmother sang.

“Ever the optimist, Grandma,” Mallory said, smiling over to her as her mother stood up and walked into the kitchen.

“I’ll get us some coffee and you can tell us all about Brazil,” her mother called as she started the pot.

The room was quiet then and Mallory closed her eyes for a moment.  It felt good to be home and she breathed in deeply.  It smelled just as she remembered.

“Are you happy
to be home?” her grandmother asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“Are you glad you did it?”

She looked over to her grandmother and smiled.

“You have no idea how glad I am I went to Brazil.”

“Have you given your future plans any thoughts?  Will you be staying in Maine for a while or are you off on another adventure?”
Grandma Jane asked.

“Being away made me
realize how much I love Kennebunkport.  I want to stay here.  I want to be with you guys.  This is my home.”

Grandma Jane stood up and walked over to Mallory, sitting down beside her.  She wrapped her arms around her granddaughter and squeezed her tightly.

“We’re so glad you’re home,” she said softly.

“Coffee should be ready in a few
minutes,” her mother added a moment later, walking back into the living room and sitting down. “What are you two talking about?”

“Just how nice it is to have Mallory home,” her grandmother answered. “Now sit, Claire and let’s listen as Mallory tells us all about Brazil.”

“Brazil was amazing,” Mallory said with a smile as she thought back to everyone she’d met. “I can’t tell you what my time there meant.  It’s like I didn’t even realize how much I wanted to do something like this until I was actually there doing it.  The people were so kind and so grateful.  Do you wanna see more pictures?  I know I didn’t send very many over email.  I was just so busy.”

“Of course,” they both said at once.

“Let me just get the coffee first,” her mother said, going back into the kitchen, while Mallory took her laptop out of her bag.  After it had loaded and her mother had returned, she spent the next half an hour sandwiched between her mother and grandmother, showing them all the places she’d seen and some of her favorite people. 

“Are you going to stay here tonight or with Grandma?” Mallory asked her mother once they’d looked through all the pictures.  Everyone looked tired and Mallory was ready for bed.

“I’ve actually become pretty comfortable there.  We’ve got a good routine going, huh, Mom?” her mother asked and Grandma Jane nodded in agreement.

“I’m glad things worked out while I was away,” Mallory said and she really was.  It proved life could go on in Kennebunkport without her.

“It really did,” her grandmother chimed in.

“Are you okay being alone your first night home?” her mother asked.

“I’ve lived in Brazil for the past six months with a roommate.  The quiet will actually be nice.”

“Well, we’ll all get some rest then and get together tomorrow for lunch.  Say around noon?” Grandma Jane asked.

“Sounds good.  Where’d you want to go?”

“There’s a new place I want you to see,” her grandmother said, reaching into the side table for a piece of paper and pen.  She scribbled an address on it and handed it to Mallory.

“What kind of a place is it?” she asked.

“Oh, just a little place I think you might like.”

“Okay.  I’ll be there at noon then,” Mallory said, reaching over and putting the piece of paper in her purse. 

“Are you sure you’re okay staying alone tonight?
  You could always come with us,” her mother offered, easing herself off the couch. 

“Yes, Mom.
  I’m fine.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”  Mallory walked over and hugged her mother. “I love you, Mom.”

“I’m so glad you’re home,” she returned.

“Now you get some rest,” Grandma Jane said. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

And with that, Mallory was alone.  She stood in the doorway, watching until their car was out of sight. 
Turning around, she slowly closed the door.  She leaned against it, taking it in once more.  She was home.