Choices Read Free Page B

parents said there was a trust fund set up for me from my Grandfather. It matures when I’m eighteen. Well, now I’m eighteen and an opportunity has presented itself for me to use it. My parents understand why I want to leave. They trust me and believe in fresh starts.” She replied sleepily.
    A few days later, Kristy and I drove up to Jo’s house to say our goodbyes. We promised to stay in touch and write and call but somehow life had other plans for the three of us.
     
    Now, twenty two years later, I find myself driving up the tree covered winding drive into Joanna’s parents’ farmhouse. Everything looked as though it had been frozen in time. The farmhouse was exactly the same with the exception of a fresh coat of red paint on the exterior.  We found a place to park in the semicircle driveway in front of the red farmhouse. Jo greeted us at the front door with Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. Wow! Jo’s parents looked fabulous, not to mention Jo. She still had the same dark hair and eyes and pale skin but her chubby little teenage figure had blossomed into a lithe, limber body that had the appearance of a feline creature. Jo looked amazingly elegant in her relaxed Chico’s style wardrobe in black flared leggings and a baby blue printed caftan top with exquisite jewelry that she made herself. Jo said the jewelry making has been very lucrative for her and it’s what saved her life when she moved to Florida. Her own store is what supported her and the baby. The beginning years were very, very lean. It took about six years before she really made a profit. Jo took odd temp jobs here and there, knowing all the while that sitting in an office wasn’t her cup of tea. She has successfully created her own jewelry business showcasing her creations as well as other struggling female designers in Florida. Jo now owns multiple stores.
    Immediately upon entering the farmhouse, Paul spied a few old chums he hadn’t seen in years. Off he went, great! The girls tagged along behind him. Jake stayed with me and we saw Aunt Kristy first, thank God.
    “Aunt Kristy, Aunt Kristy, here we are” Jake ran with his arms wide open to take in Aunt Kristy.
    “Why hi there Jake. How is my favorite Jake?” Kristy smothered him with kisses.
    “Hi, my friend, how are you? I’m so glad you wore the purple halter top. You look smokin’ hot.” She gushed.
    “Well, I don’t feel smokin’ hot but thanks.” I replied.
    “Wow, did you see Jo. She looks amazing. She surely has done well for herself hasn’t she? I can’t imagine getting through my day of emptying bed pans, dispensing meds, wiping noses and hineys and cleaning up puke…you know the glamorous life and then caring for my own three kids without praying for someone to relieve me. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be truly on your own, starting your own business and raising an infant. Remind me to shut my mouth when I start whining.”
    “Everything is relative, Laurel. Your days are hard, too – constantly around people who come up to your hip and then spending your nights with people who come up to your hip too all while your husband travels from town to town, city to city making sur e employees don’t tell the customers to fuck off and trying to stay sober although how hard he tries is yet to be seen. Don’t sell yourself so short, honey.” Ah, my Kristy, what would I ever do without her! “ Listen, Mitch is waving me to him. I’ll catch up with you and let me know if you meet the guest of honor.” She disappeared quicker than I had a chance to say goodbye. Jake and I strolled around and checked out the buffet table. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw chicken nuggets and ketchup on the table. His blue eyes lit up like the fourth of July. I quickly secured him a seat at a nearby table and arranged a plate of his all time favorites-chicken nuggets with ketchup, carrots with ranch dip and a juice box. Life was golden in Jake’s world, Mommy’s, however, was