“Hey Helen, how are you and dad doing?”
“We’re all good, sweetheart. I just wanted to call you and ask if you’ve got time for a visitor some time soon? It has been ages since I saw that pretty face of yours.”
Squealing with happiness, I only manage, “YES, of course!”.
She laughs on the other end of the line. “Well, that’s settled then. I was thinking of booking a flight for next week. There’s this art show that’s closing its doors in two weeks, and I really want to see it before.”
“Sounds great! I hope you can stay with me? We can make some room.” I tell my aunt.
“Don’t be silly. The hotel will be just fine. How is everything else?”
It’s the decisive moment—time to tell Helen about Eli. My heart thumps wildly as I wonder how to start the conversation. I mean, it isn’t every day you tell your family that you’ve reunited with a guy who broke your heart the last time you were together.
“Everything is going well. My internship is keeping me busy, and I already have a massive workload. There’s still an article to write.” I tell her and take a deep breath. “I’m actually writing about Elijah Dalton, but you might remember him as Eli Parker.”
At first, there’s silence and then my aunt starts laughing. “Eli Parker? The boy next door? Oh, how I wish my sister were here to hear this. She always hoped that you two would reunite.”
I’m left stunned after her last comment. “You think Grandma Lou would be happy?”
“Of course, sweetheart. She loved that boy very much even though they didn’t stay connected after he moved to the city. You know, that’s how life works out sometimes.”
Swallowing loudly, I ask, “Would you like to spend time with him, too?”
“Yes, that would be lovely. I need to know more about him. Does he still tickle your fancy?” she drops her voice and I wonder if my dad is within hearing distance.
“He indeed tickles my fancy. You’ll be amazed what he’s done since leaving our small hometown,” I sigh dreamily.
“I can hear that you like himagain. Let’s talk about it more when I get there. I can’t wait to see you both,” Helen says before we talk about other things to do on her visit. We end the call with love yous and I start counting the hours until I see my aunt.
* * *
Less than a week later, Eli and I are on our way to the airport to pick up Helen. This will be the first time I introduce him to my family as myboyfriend. My stomach has been in knots, and my headache has been taunting me since last night.
I am glad that Helen is coming to visit, even though it makes me nervous. She first wanted to surprise us but realized that we might be busy. Thankfully, she called me beforehand as I’m not a huge fan of surprises.
Too bad my dad isn’t coming as he hates flying more than anything.
On our way to the airport, we chat about my family. We go over what has happened in the past seven years. Our small family has lived a quiet life without any other significant events. All the big events seem to be connected to my life here in the city. And Eli knows about those.
“Are you nervous about seeing Helen?” he asks as I play with my silver ring again.
“A bit. I just hope that everything will be fine with her visit. It’s been too long since I last saw her.” I admit.
“It’ll all be okay. Trust me. I know Helen likes me. Well, at least she used to before I left.”
I take hold of his hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see you. After all, Helen and Grandma Lou both liked you boys back when we were still in high school.”
As we arrive at the airport, Eli waits outside the terminal. He understands that I need alone time with Helen. Taking fast steps, I jump in glee when I finally spot her short gray hair and colorful jacket in the sea of people. Helen is tall like I am, making it easier to spot her. I shout her name when she gets closer.
Her reaction is exactly what I expected—she opens her arms, and I run to her. Being here with her means so much to me. It has been two years since she last visited.
Since I don’t want to visit my hometown anymore, there aren’t many opportunities to see my family. But I feel like I need to go home soon to see my dad. Even though the decision has taken a lot of time and consideration, it’s about time. I haven’t seen him since Grandma Lou’s funeral four years ago. After reconnecting with Eli, I think I’m ready to face my past. Maybe he’ll even come with me whenever I visit my family.
Hugging Helen tighter, it feels like my tears will spill over any moment. They are also tears for the moments we have lost on our way to this reunion. Tears for moments we can’t get back—like moments with Grandma Lou.
Helen tells me how much she has missed my pretty face. I have missed hers more—even though it isn't a competition. She happens to have the same warm eyes that my Grandma Lou had—they’re almost identical in their color too. It’s like having a piece of Grandma Lou here with me.
Walking to the car, I take hold of Helen’s suitcase and roll it behind me. She told us that she was staying for a week, but it seems like she’s moving here.It must weigh like a hundred pounds!
