Page 40 of Before We Ever Spoke

“So,” Coop said, wanting to change the subject, “How much further until we get there?”

“Well, our first stop is just a mile or so from the exit. You’ll get the honor of seeing where I grew up.”

“And the second stop?”

“Stop number two is Berea High School, where I went. And after that, the third stop will be my favorite place to go when I need to clear my head.”

“Well, I cannot wait to see all of them,” Coop responded earnestly.

As the car approached the Snow Road exit, Cara instructed the driver to follow it to the light and then take three consecutive left-hand turns, which led them to Gilmere Drive, one of the many streets in Brook Park that was lined with early 1970’s split level homes.

“That’s my house, on the right.”

Cara pointed out a light green split level home with a long driveway that led to a detached garage that had an old basketball hoop hanging over the door. In addition, Coop noticed that there was a wooden wheelchair ramp that led up to the front door.

“Shall I pull into the driveway?” Rahul asked.

“Oh my god NO!” Cara implored. “Just slow down please.”

“Don’t you want to go in and say hello?” Coop chided, knowing the answer before he asked.

“Yeah… No…” Cara said. “This night has already been dizzying enough.”

“Well, it looks like a fine home,” Coop declared.

“It is, though it was a little crowded. Thankfully, I had my own room since I was the only girl.”

“I’m sure that made your brothers jealous as all get out,” Coop laughed.

“Amongst many other things.”

“Where to next, Miss Cara?” Rahul asked as the Town Car slowly pulled further away from her house.

“Berea High School, please,” Cara informed the driver. “It’s on the corner of Bagley and Eastland.”

“As you wish. I know exactly where it is,” Rahul responded. “When I first came to this country from India I took citizenship classes there at night.”

“Are you a US citizen now?” Coop asked.

“Yessir, next month will make 5 years!” Rahul answered, obviously very proud of that fact.

“Congratulations, Rahul,” Coop replied. “Do you have a family here, too?”

“Yessir, my wife and five children are all US citizens now,” Rahul explained. “We live in Lakewood.”

“That’s awesome!” Cara said. “Do you ever miss India?”

“I miss my family members who live there still,” Rahul answered. “But, we love America very, very much. Many opportunities.”

“Are you a baseball fan, Rahul?” Cara asked, looking over at Coop, who shot her a look.

“I am more of a cricket fan, but I have been to an Indians game. I just do not understand the game very well. Why do you ask?” Rahul asked.

“I noticed the Chief Wahoo air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror,” Cara replied, thankful that she had an alibi prior to asking the question.

“Oh, of course,” Rahul said. “My boss is a big Indians fan and he has them in all of our vehicles.”

Coop gave Cara a wry smile, and she responded with a subtle wink.

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