Page 16 of Barron's Second Chance
"Well, if you're absolutely for sure coming home, I wanna run something past you."
She frowned and sat up straight in her chair. "Sure, Mom, what's up?"
"So you know how Kelly runs holiday programs during the summer for kids?"
"Yeah," she said slowly.
Kelly worked as a teacher at the local middle school, but on summer break, she always rallied local teachers and artists to run fun classes during the summer to keep the kids engaged. They could be anything from art classes, horseback riding, creative writing, woodwork, and everything in between.
"Well," her Mom continued hesitantly. "She wants to do a class specifically for pre-teen and teen girls. Chatting about the pros and cons of social media, self-esteem, career options - some of these girls are so into that influencer stuff, for example." She heard her Mom take a deep breath, but Eden could see where this was going.
"She wants me to do a talk with the girls?"
"Yes!" Her Mom exhaled. "When she brought the idea up to me, she had instructors signed up - self-defense, a sexual health nurse, and she has a makeup artist and hair stylist coming in to show the girls how to do simple hairstyles and play around with makeup. She made a throwaway comment about how amazing it would be if you could be a special guest since you are our most successful ex-pat - everyone is just so proud of you, darling."
Eden flushed with pleasure at the compliment. She knew the people of New Haven were proud and fiercely protective of her. When a reporter came sniffing around a few years ago after news broke of her dating the lead singer of The Living English, her town had given them such a run around that they were convinced Eden had lied about being from there.
"Anyway," her Mom continued. "I told Kelly that you usually go away to some Greek island for summer, so we left the idea as is. But since you're planning on being here anyway, maybe you could spare an hour or two to chat with the girls? They would be so excited, sweetie."
"Well -" she started.
"But," her Mom interrupted, "We completely understand if you don't feel comfortable. I know you and Kelly have lost touch a bit since - ya, know," her Mom laughed uncomfortably, "but she still loves you so much and we talk about you a lot. Oh, but not to Barron," she rushed to say.
Eden's stomach lurched at the mention of his name, and she cursed herself for reacting. She saw him around town on the sporadic visits she made back to New Haven. He used to raise his chin and give her a small smile in greeting but stopped after she made no attempt to reciprocate his subtle signals.
It was true; her relationship with Kelly, the woman who was like a second Mom to her, faltered after things ended with Barron. They made polite small talk with each other, but the ease in their conversation was gone. She tried so hard to make the other woman feel welcome that she wasn't harboring any ill will towards her son - because she wasn't. Not anymore, anyway.
But unfortunately, there was always this big glaring elephant in the room that no matter how many times they smiled and laughed with each other, she always felt like their energy was off.Thank you, Barron.
This could be the chance for them to get back on track. She probably would never come over for Sunday dinners like she used to, but she could enter Kelly’s life again in a new way. She would do anything for Kelly Carter and her husband, Gavin. She still loved and missed them both.
"Mom," she interrupted before she started rambling again. "Give me Kelly's number."
Her Mom gasped in delight. "You mean..?" she pressed in anticipation.
"Yeah, Mom, I would be happy to help out. Kelly's done so much for me, and her program is amazing. I've always wanted to give back to the community, and I don't mean just money," she had donated a lot in the past. Her high school's new gym roof was courtesy of her. "But something more tangible. This is such a great idea. Let me call Kelly myself and let her know I'm in."
She put the phone away from her ear at her Mom's squeal of joy.
"Thanks, Mom, I'm deaf," she joked goodnaturedly.
"Sorry, darling, but argh!" She squeaked. "The idea of you coming home for summer and then this program... I just can't wait!" she exclaimed.
"Me, too," she genuinely replied. She grabbed her mug and finished off the last of her tea. "Okay, Mom, I gotta go get some groceries. Text me Kelly's number, and I'll touch base with her." She stood up and climbed back into her apartment.
"Okay, sweetie. You take care of yourself. Love you."
"Love you too, Mom," she replied before ending the call.
After putting the empty mug into her sink and filling it with water, Eden opened her journal.
-Call Kelly
6
California Sober
Barrongruntedashemoved the full beer keg close to the coupler's mouth. Working quickly, he removed the coupler from the empty keg before shifting the full barrel closer. After replacing the empty keg, Barron rolled the barrel to the corner next to two other empty ones, ready for delivery back to the manufacturer tomorrow.
