Alicia tapped on the carpet in the visitor’s lounge with the heel of her shoe. I don’t know why they call this place a lounge, she thought. Who can relax at a time like this?
At last Dr. Fein hurried in, accompanied by another man. Alicia jumped to attention, glancing at his companion and then studying Dr. Fein. She felt the other doctor’s intense stare, but she ignored him, anxious for Dr. Fein to address Alexi’s condition.
“Ms. Du Bois, I would like you to meet my colleague, Ben Tilman, the neurologist I told you about.”
Alicia’s mouth flew open as she searched beyond the thick mustache, a heavier physique than she remembered, and a shifting hairline.
Benny had staggered back a step, then stiffened.
Alicia froze in uncertainty. Benny knows it’s me, she thought. I want to attack him with hugs and kisses, but I wonder if he’s going to push me away, which is probably what Mom and Dad would do. She waited for his reaction.
“Is everything okay?” asked Dr. Fein.
“Licia is my sister,” said Benny, gazing at her with confusion in his eyes. “We haven’t seen each other for years.”
Dr. Fein looked back and forth between the two. Alicia’s lips began to tremble.
“Is he—is he my nephew?” asked Benny.
“Yes, and he’s the reason I left home.”
Benny brought a hand to the nape of his neck. “He’s beautiful,” he finally said as his expression turned soft. He grabbed Alicia and swallowed her in his arms. “You poor thing,” he whispered, stroking her hair.
Alicia melted under his affection. “Thank you, Benny.”
Finally the two let one another go, but held hands, just as they had as young children, when Alicia stood nearly a head taller. Alicia met Benny’s eyes with a plea. Benny responded with a reassuring smile. “He should be cured of the paralysis in time,” he said. “Nate, do you want to tell her our conclusions?”
Before Dr. Fein could answer, Alicia threw her arms around her brother and squeezed him tightly.
“Thank you, Benny,” she whispered in his ear. “I always used to rescue you from the boogey man, but things have changed, and now you have rescued me from my demons.”
Alicia turned back to Dr. Fein.
“I think I’ll excuse myself,” he said. “Ben, I’ll let you do the honors.”
“Dr. Fein, thanks for everything,” called Alicia as he left the room.
Alicia and Benny moved to a couch and sat facing one another, knees to knees, while Benny explained Alexi’s complete diagnosis.
“How is he dealing with the questions about skiing?” asked Alicia.
“I don’t think he’s accepting possible limitations right now, and those limitations may or may not come to pass. We have to see. Alexi could have a normal ski career.”
“If I’m not asking for too much under the circumstances, will you look after him, and make sure he doesn’t get pressed into doing something stupid?”
“That’s exactly what I intend to do. I will personally monitor his progress and let you know how things are going, and I’ll make sure he knows his limitations until, hopefully, there’s no further need to restrain him.”
“Thank you,” said Alicia, nearing tears. “I’ve missed you terribly, but I guess you would never know.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Sis. We really need to talk, but now is not the right time.”
“Benny, there’s something I need to tell you. Alexi doesn’t know me, at least not yet. It’s a long story, and I’ll explain later. Please don’t tell him who you are or about me, okay?”
Benny agreed, seemingly without judgment. “Nate told me you wanted complete confidentiality. I will honor your wish. I’m just an interested neurologist and nothing more.”
“If the news had been negative,” added Alicia, “I intended to reveal myself today as his mother, but now there’s no need to break my promise to the Rousseaus. Still, do you think it’s possible for me to see him without being seen?”
“Let’s check. He’s with his dad. Nate told me there’s no connection between the two of you?”
“None. I’ve never met him.”
Benny led Alicia to the room where Alexi continued to wait. Although the door had been closed, it had a see-through glass window across the top. Benny first looked in and then pulled Alicia over. She saw Alexi lying flat, with his head turned in the direction of Dr. Fein, who smiled as he talked. Another man, apparently Joe Rousseau, stood next to Alexi, laughing. She felt Benny’s eyes, and her tears started to fall at the sight of Alexi lying motionless, appearing more helpless in bright lights than in the darkness of the rehab center.
Alicia fell into Benny’s arms as quiet tears turned into sobs. He began to pull her away, but she peeked through the window one last time. Her eyes locked on Alexi’s for an instant, before Benny’s pull turned into a tug.
He must have heard me, she thought. He probably thinks I’m just a stranger who received bad news.
When Alicia and Benny reentered the visitor’s lounge, he offered her a handkerchief as she struggled to regain her composure.
“How are Mom and Dad and Mama Tilman?” she asked, avoiding eye contact.
“I’m glad you asked,” said Benny after a moment of silence. “Everyone back home is fine. Mama Tilman is slowing down a bit, but otherwise she’s as feisty as ever. And guess what? You’re an aunt now.”
“Really?” Alicia broke into a grin.
“My wife and I have two kids, a five-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter.”
“Benny, that’s fantastic! What are their names?”
“My wife is Nikki, and you should know my boy’s name without having to ask. He’s Benton Tilman III. We call him Trey for short. We call our daughter Alicia, after you. I missed saying your name.”
Alicia teared up again. “I have a niece named after me? Benny, thank you for the honor. Do you have pictures?”
Benny pulled out his wallet and handed over photographs.
“Your wife is gorgeous and so are the kids,” she said after admiring each picture. “Do you have to get back to Los Angeles right away?”
“I can catch a later flight, but how did you know I moved to L.A.?”
“You came up with Dr. Fein. Plus, I know you went to UCLA for medical school. How I knew that, well, it’s a long story. We have a lot to discuss.”
“Yeah, we sure do,” said Benny, but then he smiled. “One of the things you’ll have to explain is how Alicia Tilman is now Alicia Du Bois. Is there a Mr. Du Bois I need to meet?”
“No, and that’s another long story,” said Alicia. “I’ll explain everything later. After you’re finished with Dr. Fein and Alexi, we’ll go back to my place.”
As Alexi rolled himself into the rehabilitation center, the ward became quiet. Sister Micki and the others curiously looked his way.
Alexi delivered a loud whoop and triumphantly raised his hands, and the congas exploded. Sister Micki rushed to Alexi with an Arwen-the-Beautiful grin.
“You knew everything would be okay all along,” he said. “How?”
She stooped low, bringing her face nearly to his. “Because I felt it!” she said. “Seek, and you shall be surprised by what you find.” She hugged Alexi, kissed the top of his head, and continued down the hallway. Alexi’s eyes followed her until she disappeared.
“Sugar,” he yelled as he moved through the ward. “Once I’m cleared to play, it’s you and me, one on one. I’m going to light you up! You’re going to find out if I can shoot!”
“Check out Youngblood, talking trash,” said Van. “I knew I was right about you.”
“Aw, man, you messing with the wizards of wheels,” said Sugar. “You better watch out, Junior, ’cause you barely got that thing rolling.”
“Don’t worry about it, Sug. If I’m within thirty feet of the basket, you’re in trouble. The Lex-Man is back!”
“Sounds like a challenge to me,” said Van.
Sugar laughed as he raised his hands and pushed his palms away.
“I’ll tell you what,” said Alexi. “I’ll give you a game of wheelchair basketball, but you have to come up to Tahoe and ski with me when I’m back on my feet.”
“Be serious, Alexi. How am I supposed to do that?”
“The same way I used to ski,” said Biker Bob, “which means on your ass.”
“Nah,” said Alexi. “Sugar, I’m going to strap you on my back and ski down the mountain with you. I’ll take it easy on you, though, because we’ll only do about sixty miles per hour. Then afterwards, I’ll give you a chance to see all the pretty girls in the tight ski pants.” Alexi winked as Sugar’s eyes grew large.
“You’re on, baby!” said Sugar. “That’s what I’m talking about. Bring on the pretty girls with the tight ski pants.”
“Hey, man, what about me?” asked Van.
“You’ll be off your crutches and ready to go. I’ll set you up so you can do your own skiing.”
“That’s the only way I would have it, Youngblood.”
Alicia and Benny burst into Lil’s Place, engaged in a friendly but fiery debate over who, between the two, had played the best game of pinochle back in Chesapeake. Celia and Claude popped out of the sitting room, then stopped short.
“I want both of you to meet Alexi’s neurologist,” said Alicia as she wrapped an arm around Benny and grinned. “Guess who this is? None other than Dr. Benton Tilman Jr.”
Celia gaped. “Benny!” she finally said. “Man, you have no idea how much I’ve heard about you over the years. Benny this, Benny that. It is so nice to finally meet you in person. I remember seeing you on TV. It seems like ages ago, and you had on the cutest tight pants with these huge broad shoulders. I’m Celia.”
“I’m sorry,” said Alicia. “I’m so excited, I’ve forgotten my manners. Benny, now you know Celia, and this is my special friend, Claude Matter.”
“Matter?” repeated Benny as the two shook hands.
“Yeah, I’m Vinnie’s brother.”
“That’s what I thought. Vinnie and I used to play ball together. I’m so sorry for your loss. Vinnie was golden, outstanding in everything he did.”
“I know,” said Claude. He looked back and forth between Alicia and Benny. “What about Alexi?”
“He should be fine in time,” said Benny.
“Fabulous!” said Celia. “Benny to the rescue. This is so wonderful, and now I’m going to leave you two alone to catch up.”
“Since I have my answer, I’m going to do the same,” said Claude. “Licia, I’ll call you later about the details.”
After Celia and Claude left, Alicia and Benny went to her room, where both shared the significant details of their lives following Alicia’s departure from Chesapeake. When she touched upon Lil’s Place and her initial role there, she waited for Benny to react. He listened passively, asking no questions, but she sensed throughout their conversation that he was restraining himself.
“So what’s on your mind?” she finally asked. “I can tell something is bothering you.”
Benny rubbed his chin before answering. “When are you going home?”
“Excuse me?” Alicia furrowed her eyebrows.
“Your absence has caused a lot of pain. You have no idea. When are you going home?”
“You obviously don’t know, then. I wrote a letter after I graduated from college, asking for permission to come home. I never got a response. After I got my Ph.D., I wrote another letter and told Mom and Dad that I planned to visit. Mom wrote me back that time and said not to bother, that I had brought too much shame to the family.”
“That’s crazy!” said Benny, whose expression had changed from concern to disbelief.
Alicia found the letter in a drawer and gave it to him. He closed his eyes when he had finished reading.
“Her attitude changed over time,” he said. “Dad’s attitude has changed, too, but not as much. I thought they were both frustrated because of the passage of time, but I never expected this.”
“My pregnancy and Dad’s problems after I left had to be a major embarrassment for everyone.”
“You know about Dad’s arrest?”
“Yeah, I heard about it from a friend.”
“Your pregnancy wasn’t the problem. In the beginning, all of us just wanted you back. As to Dad’s arrest, they didn’t talk about that around me very much, so I don’t know, but I don’t think Dad ever blamed you for his actions. Alicia, why don’t you just call home and talk to Mom and Dad? Start a dialogue.”
“I tried! After I recovered from Mom’s letter, I called home a couple of times and left messages on the answering machine. I left my number and begged them to call me back, but I never heard from anybody. That just added salt to the wound, proof positive that I’d been ostracized.”
“Unbelievable! Let me call home and get to the bottom of this.”
“Be careful, Benny. You don’t want to get caught up in my mess. Please keep our relationship between us for now. Just see if you can find out the true cause, as if the letter didn’t exist. You can say that you’ve noticed a change in their attitudes toward me, and you want to know why. I’ll react based on what they tell you.” She sighed. “You know, when I first saw you with Dr. Fein, I thought you might be coming from the same place as them.”
“And I wondered how you were going to react when Nate first introduced me,” said Benny as his jaw set tight. “Were you going to ignore me, or treat me like a brother you still care about.”
“How could I ignore you, Benny?”
“That’s what you’ve been doing, Alicia. In fact, you’ve ignored all of us. It took you a long time to write those letters. What if something had happened to anyone at home? You never would have known.”
“Benny, you think so little of me. Dad hurt his ankle a few months ago when he tripped on the front porch. Mama Tilman doesn’t prune the rose bushes as much as she used to, and Mom finally retired from teaching last year.”
“How in the world did you know?”
“The same way I know about Dad’s arrest. I left Chesapeake because I felt I had no other choice. If I had stayed, that boy you’re now saving wouldn’t be here to save. But when I left, my heart stayed right there. Mom’s letter and refusal to return my calls caused a lot of hurt and anger, but it didn’t change my core feelings.”
“Alicia, what you’ve just told me makes me feel so much better. The toughest thing I’ve dealt with is the thought of you not caring anymore. Do you know how I felt the summer you left, when I returned from football camp? Imagine what it was like. My big sister, who did everything first and eased the way for me, who wiped my nose even before Mom and Dad could get to me, who I lived with and fought with and loved like no other—gone! And Mom and Dad weren’t coping very well, either. Do you have any idea what kind of effect it all had on me?”
“I can imagine.”
“Can you really, Alicia? Just think for a minute about the pressure I had to live with. When you were home, I always felt Dad’s expectations were spread evenly between us, but you made things easier for me because you were always the trailblazer, Ms. Superstar Alicia Tilman, the can’t-miss kid. After you left, I felt Dad’s expectations shift solely to me. Then the weight of the world landed on my shoulders, with everybody wanting to make sure that Benton Tilman Jr., the new chosen one, didn’t stray from stardom. Your silly little brother grew up in a hurry without you. Then I adjusted to the new role. I even relished it. But it was never easy.”
Tension evaporated from Benny’s face. “There, I said it,” he blurted. “I finally got it all off my chest. Have I made you feel bad? I hope so, but I still love you like no other.”
Alicia looked in Benny’s eyes. “I’ve always loved you. And I know I’ve put you through a lot. I am so sorry, but that’s how serious the mistake was. Can you forgive me?”
Benny stared at Alicia for a moment. “Yes,” he said softly.
Alicia smiled. “And look at what I have to show for the mess I made—a big, handsome son. Before you saw me, did you have any suspicions?”
“No, not at all. I wasn’t even thinking along those lines.”
“He looks just like you.”
“No, baby, he looks just like his mama,” said Benny. He paused, becoming thoughtful. “Okay, Alicia, I’ll keep all of this between us and let you know what I learn from Mom and Dad, and if I strike out with them I’ll talk to Mama Tilman.”
“Great. Now, can Nikki keep a secret?”
“Are you kidding? I only have to worry about what she says in her sleep, and it’s never in English.”
“In that case, do me a favor,” said Alicia, giggling. “Call her and let her know where you are. Then please introduce us, and let me get to know my sister-in-law, if only for a few minutes. Afterwards, I’m going to fix you your favorite sandwich, roast beef with cheese and lots of mustard and mayonnaise.”
Alicia laughed when Benny rolled a hand over his mouth, making a slurping sound.
“Then I want you to meet the rest of my girlfriends before we have to leave for the airport,” she said. “And Benny, I’m so happy to have my brother in my life again.”
“I’m happy, too, as long as you’re going to feed me.”
A week after being reunited with his sister, Benny sipped on lemonade at an outdoor café a few blocks from the rehabilitation center. He had just seen Alexi and was waiting for Alicia so he could report on his nephew’s condition.
Earlier in the week, Benny had talked to his parents and grandmother, but those conversations had not been productive. His mother, always sweet when they talked, became sharp as soon as he mentioned Alicia’s name. She became agitated when Benny tried to dig.
“Forget about your sister!” his mother had said. “I have cried myself to sleep so many nights, and the less I think about her, the happier I am. That’s the end of it, case closed.”
“Mom, I thought we could have a reasonable conversation.”
“I said case closed. Give my love to Nikki and the children.”
Benny contacted his father at his dental office. After a pleasant exchange, Benny announced that he wanted to understand why his father’s attitude toward Alicia had changed.
“Sorry, but we don’t need to talk about it. And don’t raise the subject with your mother, because she will have a fit. I have a patient waiting on me, so I have to go. Take care, son.”
“I’ve already called her,” said Benny, but he heard a dial tone.
He defaulted to Mama Tilman.
“I can’t offer any insights,” she had said. “I’ve also talked to your parents, trying to understand what their problem is with Alicia. I’ve gotten the same response as you, and I’m sick of the whole thing.”
When Alicia settled at the table, Benny reported on Alexi’s condition.
“Okay,” said Alicia, puffing out air. “So nothing has changed since he started the medication, but you’re not concerned?”
“I’m going to tell you what I told Alexi. The medication needs more time to work. It’s not an overnight cure. If in a month we don’t see any progress, I’ll be alarmed, but it’s too soon to judge at this point.”
“Is he okay with that?”
“He gets it, and he looks good under the circumstances. By the way, Alexi and I were talking about the possibility of his going to college, and he said he received skiing scholarships from a number of schools, but decided to pass when he made the U.S. Ski Team. So you know me, I had to get cute. I asked Alexi whether he thought he might eventually have some interest in medicine or economics.”
“No, you didn’t,” said Alicia, smiling.
“Alexi just gave me this weird look. I told him we would talk one day about possible careers outside of skiing. Then there’s this guy at the rehabilitation center named Van. He seems about our age. Van made a comment about how much Alexi and I favor one another. He told Alexi he had better listen to me, because he could have some of my smarts. When I heard that, I could have died.”
“You two are already getting to know each other,” said Alicia, whose smile suddenly faded. “I only wish I could talk to him as easily as you.”
“The day will come. In the meantime, I talked to Mom and Dad. I’m not sure whether now is a good time for us to discuss this.”
“As good as any. Tell me what you learned.”
“I didn’t bring up the letter or that we’re in contact, but I’m not sure either would have made a difference. Neither one of them would say much. I talked to them separately, and both of them shut me down, as though they had agreed to keep their problems with you a secret.”
“What did Mama Tilman say?”
“She couldn’t help and seemed annoyed by the subject, either with you or them.”
“Benny, you’ve done as much as you can,” said Alicia, flicking at the tablecloth.
Benny shook his head in frustration. “Everyone would be so proud of you if they realized all the success you’ve achieved in spite of what you’ve been through.”
“I was hoping my success would enable me to return to Chesapeake with a sense of honor, to claim the silver teapot.” Alicia looked away. “Does Mom still have it, or did she give it to you?”
“It’s sitting right on the mantle,” said Benny.
“I’m changing the subject,” said Alicia, waving a hand. “Look, Dr. Fein returned a part of the twenty-five thousand dollars I initially paid him, explaining that the costs incurred came to substantially less. Regardless, I need to pay for your trips up here and for your services.”
“This is my nephew, Alicia.”
“I know, but the arrangements are costing you time and money.”
“This is my nephew!”
“Okay,” barked Alicia.
“You seem upset, but it can’t be over money.”
“I guess I hoped for too much where Chesapeake is concerned.” Alicia forced a smile, reaching into her purse for an envelope. “Here, this is for my niece and nephew,” she said. “I’m a negligent aunt trying to make up for lost times.”
Inside the envelope, Benny found a gift certificate to a popular Los Angeles toy store, along with two savings bonds, one for each child.
“This is payment enough,” said Benny, eyeing Alicia with concern.
Alexi wiggled his toes and felt a tingling sensation in his legs. He was imagining himself flying down the slopes when he heard Van moaning in pain. He rolled his wheelchair toward Van’s bed and arrived at the same time as Sugar.
“What’s up, Vee?” asked Sugar.
“I’m okay,” said Van. “The therapist did a number on me this morning.”
“If you don’t mind my asking,” said Alexi, “how did you get injured?”
“I got jumped by five dudes. They left me for dead, but I made it and wound up here.”
“Did you ever find out who did it?”
“Yeah, I know,” said Van, wincing. “My woman at the time arranged it. We had had a falling out, and she wanted to do me before I did her, but it was never going to be like that. The problem is that when you make your money in the streets and get a reputation, people are afraid of what you might do, even though you haven’t done it in years.”
Alexi’s eyes grew large. “Are you going back to the streets?”
“Nah, man, this incident knocked me upside the head, became my wake-up call. It’s time for me to go in a different direction, though I don’t know whether it’s north, south, east, or west. I’m good with my hands. At one time, I wanted to be an engineer. Maybe I can find something in the building trades.”
“What about you?” asked Alexi, turning to Sugar. “Did you injure yourself playing ball?”
Sugar regarded Alexi in silence as a miserable frown appeared.
“If the memories bother you . . . ,” Alexi offered, waving Sugar off.
“No, it’s cool,” said Sugar. “I remember when we pulled it out of you, and turnabout is fair play. So it went down like this. I was about your age at the time, playing in front of a bunch of college scouts in the biggest game of my life. I went off, Lex-Man. Scored forty-nine points that night and had twelve assists. Unstoppable! Behind my back, between my legs, crossover here, crossover there, taking it to the rack all night long. The crowd went crazy. ‘Sugar flying high,’ they screamed, ‘Sugar flying high in the sky!’”
Sugar gave a slight smile. “After the game, we had a little celebration, and then I started on back to the crib. I passed by some dudes I knew—some for-real gangsters—but everything seemed copacetic. Then guns start popping, and I wound up lying flat, floating in limbo because of their dispute over some stupid-ass crack. The end, over and out, and here I am.”
Alexi cringed. “I’m sorry.”
“It is what it is,” said Sugar. “But let’s talk about you. I see you got a good doctor working with you. He seems like a nice dude, real smart and shit. I overheard his prognosis. Things are looking positive. So when you make it back and you’re doing your thing, do me a favor. Win one for me, somebody whose legs are forever dead, and make it count.” Sugar held out his arms. “Make it count for all of us.”
Alexi cradled the ball in his lap as the congas beat in the background. He looked at Dr. Tilman on the sidelines and grinned. Sugar rolled from side to side. Alexi feinted in one direction and rolled in another. Wheelchairs clanged. Alexi broke loose and launched forward one more time, then abruptly stopped, releasing his shot. The congas exploded as the ball dropped through the net—the first time for Alexi. The congas had already exploded for Sugar twelve times.
“Ha! I see you stole my move,” called Sugar. “You learn fast, Lex-Man. I wish you weren’t about to lift up out of here. We could have made beautiful music together.”
“Stop stalling,” said Alexi. “We have five minutes on the clock.”
“Please!” said Sugar as he whipped past Alexi and scored. “Too little, too late, baby.”
After time ran out, Alexi stood and hobbled over to Sugar, slapping palms. Dr. Tilman met him on the court, wrapped an arm around his shoulder, and the two returned to the ward.
“I can tell you’re stiff and sore,” said Dr. Tilman, “but that’s to be expected. The progress you’ve made after seven weeks is amazing. I’ve signed your release papers, and you’re set to leave today, as planned. Just make sure you don’t rush things in Lake Tahoe. I’ll check with you periodically by phone, but call me if you have any kind of problem. And if and when you think you’re ready to ski, let me know, and I’ll check you out.”
“Okay, Doc. I promise not to overdo things. As much as I like you, I don’t want to see you again until that time comes. Then maybe we can have our duel on the slopes. Prepare hard, ’cause I’m not planning to show you any mercy. Well, on second thought, maybe I’ll give you a break, since you’ve been so good to me.” Alexi turned serious. “Actually, I’ve never met a physician like you,” he said. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you, too, Alexi, and I’m looking forward to our race. Remember now, I get a big head start.”
A few hours later, Joe arrived to take Alexi home. Sister Micki and Joe visited like old friends while Alexi made his way around the ward, bidding farewell to the men. When he approached Van and Sugar, Van stood without the aid of crutches as Sugar sat in his wheelchair nearby.
“I want to see you guys in Lake Tahoe,” said Alexi. “When I’m ready, Van, I’m going to call you, okay?”
“I can’t wait, Youngblood. Don’t forget now.”
“And remember the pretty girls in the tight ski pants,” said Sugar. “You line them up for me, baby.”
“Sug, just be ready.”
Alexi extended a high five to both men and found Sister Micki. He promised to visit, and the two stood gazing at one another in silence, neither able to muster a good-bye.
“You were wrong,” she eventually said with a tender smile.
“What now?” asked Alexi, fighting back tears.
“You were never Legolas. You are Aragorn, or Strider if you prefer—the rightful king in The Lord of the Rings.” Gesturing to his legs, Sister Micki continued, “Your sword has been reforged, Alexi. Now go and claim your crown. But unlike Aragorn, your road shall not be the paths of the dead. Your road shall be the paths of righteousness. You know what that means, and it starts with the one who takes you home.” She hugged him close. “Go with God, my son.”
Alexi and Joe began the drive back to Lake Tahoe in mid-afternoon. Along the way, Joe became talkative, engaging in lighthearted banter. Alexi found himself more at ease with Joe than he could remember.
“I need to thank you,” Alexi said as they were nearing home. “You’ve been there for me since the accident, and you came through with the U.S. Ski Team. They arranged for the doctors, right?”
“Doctors? The team had nothing to do with your doctors. I let them know of your accident, and I need to contact them again to apply for a single penalty due to injury so that your point status won’t suffer because of the races you’ll miss this year. I started the arrangements with Dr. Fein. He knew I needed to raise the money, but he came up with someone to foot the entire bill. He won’t say who it is, and Dr. Tilman says he doesn’t know, that it’s someone connected to Dr. Fein.”
“Who could it be?”
“I don’t have a clue. But I asked Dr. Fein to communicate our thanks.”
“But you started the arrangements? You were going to pay for everything?”
“Don’t worry about any of this now, Alexi. Let’s get you home so you can rest.”
Alexi and Joe arrived at the cabin in the early evening. All appeared quiet as Alexi stumbled for the front door. Joe stepped in front of him and opened the door to complete darkness. Alexi heard whispering, and then the lights popped on.
“Surprise!” shouted a throng of smiling faces.
Alexi lit up at the sight of his friends, including Dave Durham, Joe’s old assistant, and Susie Taylor, his childhood sweetheart. He worked his way through the crowd, hugging and laughing until he bumped into Tipper’s father, the Reverend Chip Murphy.
“I’m sorry I missed the funeral,” said Alexi, struggling for words.
“Bless you, my boy,” said Reverend Murphy. “I’m glad I didn’t have to preside over yours.” The reverend wrapped an arm around Alexi’s shoulder. “I’ve wanted to talk to you since before the accident,” he said softly. “I asked Tipper to tell you to come see me because I have something for you from your mother. Before she died, she asked me to give it to you when I felt the time was right. I have it in my car. I’ll bring it to you.”
Alexi waited by the door. Reverend Murphy returned a couple of minutes later holding a brown shopping bag, which he gave to Alexi before heading back to his car with a wave.
Alexi slipped into his bedroom, peeked inside the bag, and saw a faded blue blanket. After closing his door, he held the blanket up and examined it carefully. What is this? he thought with disappointment. Then he noticed a business card and an envelope left in the bag.
Shelby Stit? he wondered as he inspected the card.
Alexi opened the envelope, finding a letter written by a woman named Alicia.
My real mother! he realized as he studied her handwriting. No return address. She sounds so desperate.
After reading and rereading the letter, Alexi stuffed everything back in the bag and tossed it in his closet. Sister Micki says I should forgive. I’m working on Joe, but how am I supposed to forgive a ghost?