Page 2 of When Our Stars Aligned

“What am I going to do without all of you?” Tears once again pricked behind my eyes.

“We’re going to miss you so much, Aly. We love you and we wanted to provide you with an opportunity to keep you happy and busy once we’re gone.” Mamma Maria reached back from the front seat and handed me a long envelope with a gift certificate inside. “We know how much you love swimming and we are so proud of you for sticking it out as long as you have with that horrible coach. We think we may have a way you can keep swimming, but you won’t have to beat yourself up with competition.”

My eyes went wide as I read the contents of the envelope. “You’re paying for my lifeguard training?” It was my dream to become a lifeguard, but the training cost over three hundred dollars and there was no way my parents would shell out that kind of money for me. I mean, they had the money; we weren’t poor by any means. They just wouldn’t put the money out for me.

“There’s even enough for you to buy a few uniforms,” Papa C added as he pulled into their driveway.

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you!” Excitement filled me as I thought of all the possibilities this would bring. I could get a job and save up some money before I headed off to college in two years.

“You’re welcome, Aly. We love you, you know. These past four years have been so wonderful with you in our lives.” Mamma M choked up. “We’re going to miss you terribly. Just know thateven if we are not physically next door to you anymore, you will always be in our hearts.”

I nodded and wiped away the tears trying to break free. I jumped out of the van and embraced Mamma M. She held on to me a little tighter than usual, and then I noticed she was sniffling.

“Come on now, Maria, you’re acting like we’re leaving today. We still have a few weeks left,” Papa C said, trying to comfort both of us. He turned to me with a look of sadness on his face. “Someone is waiting for you out back. She’s a little upset right now and I think she could use some company.”

I nodded and walked towards the back porch to where one of the sweetest women I had ever met sat. Nonna Grace was in a rocking chair, gazing out into nothingness. Her silver hair was tied back in a neat bun and a flowery blue housedress peeked out under the blanket she had resting on her lap. It could be a hundred degrees outside, yet she was always cold.

I didn’t know my grandparents, but Nonna Grace was the epitome of what I thought every grandmother should be. She was a soft-spoken nurturer who loved her family fiercely, and I longed to be part of her family. Even though the Parkers considered me one of their own; in truth, I was just the girl next door.

“Hey, Nonna Grace,” I said softly so as not to startle her.

“Aly! How are you doing, sweetheart? Mia just ran by and told me you had a rough time at your meet today.”

“Yeah, today was a tough day.” I sighed and sat down on the top step next to her chair.

“Well, I guess misery loves company.” She reached out and patted my knee. “I didn’t have the best day either.”

“No? Why is that?” Nonna Grace was always happy. I didn’t think I had ever seen her in a bad mood.

“My other son, Mark, and his family were supposed to come out and visit, but my grandson was horsing around with his friends and broke his leg.”

“Oh, no!” I gasped. “Is he okay?” I had heard about Nonna Grace’s other grandchildren, but never met them. Nonna Grace and Nonno Steven lived near their other son, Mark, and his family, but visited the Parkers here in Virginia often. I wondered how much traveling they would be doing out this way since her son, Papa C, and his family would soon be leaving for their next duty station overseas.

“He’ll be fine in time.” She gave a sad smile. “I really wanted my Jaxyboy to meet you.”

“You did?”

“Yes, and his sister Emmalyn too. Call it a feeling, but I just know you and Jaxyboy would be perfect for each other.”

“Nonna Grace!” I gasped. “I’m only sixteen!” I had yet to have a boyfriend, mainly because I was so busy hanging out with my sisters. The five of us didn’t have time for boys.Plus, I was sure Papa C wouldn’t approve of any of his daughters dating.

“I know and so is he. He’s a swimmer just like you and I will have you know I met my husband at fifteen, so you’re already a year late.” She chuckled. Nonna Grace and Nonno Steven had been married for forty-five years and they still acted like teenagers at times. “I was so looking forward to you two meeting, but with Chris and the girls moving, that’s not going to happen. Now—” She paused and once again stared out into nothing. “I just have a feeling that something bad is going to happen to him.”

I stood up and pulled Nonna Grace into a hug. “I’m sure everything will be fine. I’m going to miss you, you know.”

“I know, sweetheart.” She pulled out of the hug and cradled my face with her hands. “I’m going to miss you too. Maybe one day I’ll be able to get you and Jaxyboy together.”

Three weeks later, I stood on the sidewalk watching the only family that ever loved me drive away to the airport to start their new life on a new continent. I hoped and prayed we’d stay in touch. I wasn’t allowed to have a phone, so we would have to make do with e-mails and old-fashioned letter writing.

I stayed on the sidewalk until the van turned the corner and was no longer visible. I never realized how lonely I was until the Parkers came into my life. Now that I knew what unconditional love felt like, I never wanted to lose it again. I walked next door to my house. It was unnecessarily big and impersonal. While my house was filled with fancy artwork and designer furniture, the Parkers’ house was filled with love.

Love.

That’s what I wanted more than anything in the world.

2

Jax

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