Rachel brewed a pot of coffee and set cookies out on a plate for her aunt and her mother. She wasn’t quite sure why her mother had needed her there. Her mother and aunt had always been as close as sisters, but it seemed in the absence of her father, Rachel’s mother was intimidated by his sister.
Her aunt Dorothy smiled up at Rachel as she carried in the plate of cookies and the pot of coffee. She set them on the table and then filled each of the coffee mugs. “Can I get you both something else?”
Her mother shook her head and her aunt’s eyes gazed up softly at her. “Just come join us, dear. I’d love to catch up.”
Rachel nodded, returned the coffee pot, and rejoined them carrying her own mug.
Her aunt took a cookie and bit into it. “You’re still in the school system?” she asked Rachel.
“I am. I’m in a high school. It’s satisfying work.”
“I’m sure you’re touching lives. You always were good at listening and helping,” she said kindly.
“I appreciate that.”
Her mother picked up her coffee mug with shaky hands. “She was a Godsend after Theo died,” she said before sipping her coffee.
Rachel felt the ache in her heart watching her mother still processing the loss of her son, and wasn’t that only the start of it all, Rachel thought as she brushed her hands over the sleeves of her shirt.
Dorothy uncrossed her legs, and recrossed them, resting her hands on her knees. “Your daddy was proud of you, and your brother. He talked about you both all the time.” She reached her hand to Rachel’s mother’s hand and covered it. “And you were his light,” Dorothy assured her. “He was smitten the minute he met you. Oh, and Esther, he couldn’t have found a better partner.”
Rachel’s mother lifted her tear-filled eyes. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”
“No, it’s truth. I’m sorry Hal isn’t here. I was hoping to get to see him too before I headed back home.”
“He had things to take care of,” her mother’s voice shook. “He’ll be sorry he missed you.”
Dorothy wrapped up her visit and Rachel walked her to her car.
“Your mama will be okay,” she said as she opened the passenger door and set her purse on the seat. “I just wanted to make sure she was doing okay. I know my brother’s passing affected a lot of people. It was nice to see that team he cared so much about at the funeral. Though, they’re all grown men now.”
The mention of the team had Rachel sucking in a breath. “They loved him very much.”
Dorothy touched Rachel’s arm. “And you’re doing okay? I mean, oh hell, I don’t know what I mean. You’re a grown woman who is trained to take care of people in mourning and who are depressed. But I guess it’s okay to ask if you’re okay.”
“It’s okay to ask. My career is what helped me along the way, and now I have the tools to get through all of this.”
“Every time I read about some young person in the paper, I think of Theo and you,” she said softly giving Rachel’s arm a squeeze. “I want you to know, from the depths of my heart, I’m so proud of you. I know that you’ve saved lives doing what you do. I wish we all had someone on our side, as your students do.”
Rachel batted back tears. “Thank you.”
“Now, let’s not be so serious for a moment. Are you seeing anyone? You’re such a beautiful woman, you should be dating, if you’re not.”
Now Rachel laughed and the tears dried. “I’m seeing someone. It’s new,” she said, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that she’d stirred things up from the past.
Her aunt grinned. “Your mama doesn’t know that yet, does she?”
“Not yet.”
“Make sure he takes good care of you,” she warned. “You only deserve the best.”
Dorothy leaned in and kissed Rachel on the cheek before walking to the other side of her car, climbing in, and driving away.
Rachel watched until she’d turned the corner, and then she walked back inside the house.
Her mother still sat on the sofa sipping her coffee and Rachel could see her hands still shook.
“Mama, are you okay?”
“Fine. I’m fine.” She set the mug down using both hands. “Thank you for coming over.”
“Why were you so worried about having Aunt Dorothy here?”
“I’m just over company, sweetheart. I’ve had people dropping by all week.” Her mother’s eyes widened. “I don’t mean you and Hal, though. I enjoy you being here.”
Rachel smiled. “I know.”
“I hope she didn’t upset you by talking about you and Theo. I always worry when someone lumps you in the same conversation.”
“Mama, I’ve worked very hard to make that part of my life part of my story. It’s the catalyst to my life’s work. When someone mentions it, I can deal with it.”
Her mother reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze as Rachel sat down next to her on the sofa. “I’m so proud of you. I wish Theo would have had your strength.”
Rachel wasn’t sure she would call what she’d overcome strength, though anyone else in the same situation she’d tell them the same thing.
“I appreciate that you think I’m strong.”
“I’ve never known anyone stronger and more in charge of their destiny.”
Rachel put her other hand on top of her mother’s. “Do you still have a freezer full of food? Maybe we can decide what to have for dinner and I can stay the night with you.”
Her mother’s lips curled into a smile. “I’d appreciate that, but I know you need your time too.”
“I’ve gone out to dinner a few times this week and spent the evening with a friend. I’m doing okay.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Her mother picked up her mug again, and Rachel noticed that she was steadier. “So, tell me, who did you spend your evening with?”