Page 12 of When You Left Me Speechless

“We are in here, honey,” my mom calls. I stand and walk towards the kitchen. Dan trails at my heels.

“That looks good, what are you making?”

“Some salad Mom found on Instagram,” Olive says.

“Can I help with anything?”

“Could you set the table, sweetheart?”

I nod, walk over, and start collecting plates and silverware.

“Let me help you carry those,” Olive says, grabbing the silverware off the counter. We walk into the dining room and start setting each place.

“I spoke to Beth at Pecan Grove like ten minutes ago,” she whispers, so no one else can hear her as she sets a fork down next to the plate I just placed on the table. “She said she would be happy to take you.”

I look at her, completely shocked. Up until this point, I was sure nothing was going to happen. I can’t believe what she is telling me. “Are you—” I say a little too loud. “Are you serious?” I correct myself by whispering again.

“Yes, she said to give you her number and that you can come tomorrow, and y’all can figure out any paperwork or whatever you need then. She apologized for not getting back to me sooner, but she was waiting for her administration to approve it.”

I hug my sister tight. “Thank you, Olive. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Relief washes over me. I’m going to graduate. Everything is going to be okay.

“So, how was the bar the other night?”

I hesitate. My sister’s opinion matters to me, and while she has never made me feel like she is anything but proud ofme, my behavior a week ago wasn’t exactly something to brag about.

“It was fun. We missed you.” She gives me a look that tells me she sees right through my bullshit.

“What are you girls whispering about in here?” My mom walks in, holding the salad and interrupting our conversation.

“Oh, I was just reminding my little sister how lucky she is to have me as a big sister.” Olive winks at me before leaving me to finish setting the table.

“Hun,come sit down and enjoy your daughters.” My dad looks at my mom with kind eyes and a soft smile. It’s no secret that after thirty-five years of marriage, they are still madly in love with one another.

She offers him a sweet smile before grabbing the rolls and joining the rest of us at the table.

“David was telling me about the work you and him have been doing at the community center,” my dad says to Olive. “Seems like the kids are really lucky to have you both volunteering.”

“I think we are the lucky ones. The kids are precious,” Olive says. “David and I were saying the other day that it reminds us of all those weekends we spent volunteering as kids with y’all.”

“Poppy, you should join them,” my mom adds. “Maybe you could meet someone. Olive, are there any cute, single boys volunteering with you?”

“Mom…”

“What, can’t a mother want her daughter to meet a nice young man? At least if you met him there, you would know he wasn’t a selfish prick like your last boyfriend.”

I sneak Dan a piece of roast. “I don’t need a guy right now. I’m focusing on getting to graduation.”

“And we are so proud of you.” My dad smiles at me. “Tell us how school is going?”

“Are you excited to start at the hospital tomorrow?” my mom adds.

“Oh, um, actually, that didn’t work out.” I stuff a large bite of potatoes into my mouth. My dad sets down his fork, and he and my mother both have that worried look in their eyes.

“What happened?” My dad’s words are laced with concern. I quickly try to recover to put them at ease.

“I know what you're thinking, but it’s a good thing. There was a mix-up, and Olive helped me get in at Pecan Grove. I’m excited.”

“Pecan Grove? I thought you were wanting something more medical?” My mom’s question hovers in the air, and her eyes dart to my sister, who is sitting quietly.

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