Page 12 of Ripple Effect
He drags his fingers down my cheek. “I will. I promise. And I don’t make them easily.”
My eyes are unblinking on his. “You don’t?”
“No, damnit, I don’t.” I don’t move, afraid if I do, I’ll break whatever spell is holding him bound to me instead of to whatever is trying to pull him away.
For long moments we’re frozen, until Cal finally rasps, “God, my life? It’s always about shitty timing,” before he walks through the door, closing it softly behind him.
Leaning my head forward to rest on it, I whisper, “Yes, until the unexpected happens and someone brings you flowers. Then it’s a matter of waiting until you get more.”
Then with tears on my lashes, I duck into the bathroom before Iris converges on it to get ready for her date with Sam.
Elizabeth
Fifteen Years Ago from Present Day
Dear Cal,
It’s been a few months since graduation; I hope this finds you safe and well.
Sam came home briefly but has moved into an apartment closer to where his company is based. It’s unusual not to have him just a few moments away. In fact, I can’t remember the last time we spoke on the phone. When we last chatted, he said his training was going well, but it was consuming a lot of hours. I know he was planning on coming back for a family celebration we’re planning on having soon.
Iris took a brief vacation, but I know she’s at a specialized training facility to enhance her language studies. She hasn’t said much, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she ends up going to work for some major international corporation or the government. I’m so proud of her.
As for me? Well, my plans are slow but sure. I’m being very methodical. Too much is on the line for me to make mistakes. I’m in no major rush. I’ve been working for a small firm in Charleston and saving money by living at home. Trust me, that’s no hardship. We’re very close, and the location is convenient to town.
I don’t know what I’m allowed to ask about your present situation, where you are, how things are. I’d love to be able to send you and the men and women in your unit something, but I’m not certain what the rules are. Email me back to let me know.
Know I can’t walk past sunflowers in the farmer’s market without thinking of you.
Stay safe and know you are missed.
Libby
Before pressing Send, I reread the first email I’m about to send off to Cal. I chew on my lower lip. I haven’t heard from him, but I have no idea what it is that he’s actually doing. I suppose I could ask Sam, but he’s in training. Other than Nonna’s birthday last month, I’ve barely heard from him either.
Oh, how I wish I could pick up the phone and call Iris, but according to the letter I just got in the mail, the intensive language program in Monterey has her “submerged deeper than I ever thought I would be, Libs. If you can believe it, I actually want to hearjustan American accent.”
While I was amused by her letter, I’m left in this odd space. My heart is lost trying to find its place between what was and what is while my mind is ready to forge ahead straight into the future.
Pressing Send, I give no more thought to the email as I answer the business line.
“Thank you for calling Salt Gallery. This is Elizabeth. How may I help you?”
Elizabeth
Fourteen Years Ago from Present Day
Hello Cal.
Iris came home today from her training in California. She was over the moon when she told me she’d taken a position with Alliance alongside Sam. I’m so excited the two of them will be working with each other. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anyone who quite understands my excitement the way you would.
I haven’t heard back from you. Not once. Please don’t take that as complaining; it’s not. It’s just one of my relatives mentioned you may have a military email address which—depending on where you’re stationed—may be the only thing you can check. So, you may not be getting the emails I’ve been sending.
I just wish I knew for certain if you were well.
Things are changing here so fast! I took aMAJORstep toward accomplishing my dream last week. I haven’t even told my family yet because they’re going to flip. To be honest, I was going to tell Sam first, but he was out of the country again. Well, when he’s back for more than a day, I’ll let him know.
If you’re getting these, send me a quick ping somehow to let me know you’re okay. I’ve included all of my contact information at the bottom of the email. I’m also going to be switching to a new business email soon. When I do, I’ll be sure to let you know.
