“Later loser.”
I decide to eat supper before making the call and reheat the leftover pasta I made the night before. I’ve always enjoyed reheated pasta more than freshly made. The flavors come through stronger, and I like the slightly rubbery texture of the noodles. I take my time eating and wonder if Betty has made it back from shopping. I decide to shoot her a quick text.
Me:How was shopping?
A little thrill goes through me when the three little dots appear at the bottom of the screen right away and I scold myself for being so eager.
Betty:Great! I bought all the things!
I laugh out loud at this. Why does she have to be so adorable? As I’m trying to come up with a witty response, I get an incoming call notification. All right. May as well get this over with.
“Hey, mom. How’s my best gal?”
“Always better when I hear your voice, darling.” There’s so much warmth in her tone that I’m certain she’s smiling. “How was your first day at your new position?” My mom has always been supportive of my decision to become a teacher, maybe because she was once one herself. She taught second grade for four years before she married my father. I’ve always wondered if she regretted giving it up, but I’ve never flat-out asked her. It’s not like she stayed at home all day ironing my father’s shirts. She was involved in the PTA from the time I started kindergarten. She started a breakfast program at my elementary school that she still runs to this day. Her passion for education must have rubbed off on me, and I’m glad that it’s something we have in common.
“Really great.” I give her all the details about the school. She wants to know about class sizes and resources. They are well-funded and have a lot of great programming and support for the kids.
“It sounds wonderful, sweetie.” Her obvious approval is like a hug I didn’t know I needed.
“I think it’s going to be. You should come to visit soon, and I’ll give you a tour.”
“I would love that,” she says, and I know she means it. “Are you settling into your new place?” I look around at the few unpacked boxes that are scattered around the living room.
“If by settling in you mean do I have food in the fridge and some clothes hung up, then you bet.”
“But you’re taking care of yourself? Eating enough?” She’s worrying for the sake of worrying.
“Mom, when have I ever not eaten enough?” I laugh. “But you could send more cookies. Some random girl who lives down the hall had the nerve to steal the first batch.”
“Oh, Betty!” She squeals with delight. “How is that sweet girl?”
“Sweet? Did you not hear the part about the cookie theft?”
“It’s been too long since I’ve seen her,” she says, ignoring me. “Is she well? Did she mention how her father’s doing?”
“She’s great.” I realize I mean that. She’s so great. “She hasn’t mentioned her dad.”
“Please give her my love, darling. And I will send more cookies for both of you!”
“She really doesn’t deserve any more after taking the last ones. How’s dad?” There is a brief pause.
“He’s well.” She speaks at a higher pitch than before. “You know your father, work, work, work.” I do know my father. “I’ll be sure to tell him that you’re settling in just fine.”
I bet he’ll be thrilled, I think bitterly. The fact that she doesn’t mention how he reacted to me fleeing the state and for a new job speaks volumes. My dad and I used to be so close. He worked too much, but he always made time for Rilla and me. The fact that I idolized him growing up makes the lack of support he’s shown me since I chose to pursue teaching sting even more.
“Thanks, mom. I had better get a few things done before I turn in for the night. And you’ve got all those cookies to bake.”
We say our goodbyes. I load my plate and fork into the dishwasher and sprawl out on the couch. I note that she didn’t ask whether I’d spoken to Eleanor lately and wonder if maybe Rilla told her to lay off. I check my texts and see that Betty has texted again.
Betty:What time do I report for duty tomorrow, Coach Pine?
I like it when she calls me that. I like it a lot. I type a quick reply.
Me:5:30 a.m.
Betty:?
Betty:tell me that was autocorrected
