The Gift
Stephanie's Storyline, Chapter 5.4
copyright comidacomida 2018
I knew he was only being protective, but Tom didn't seem to like any of the options that'd been presented. "What do You suggest then, Tom?"
The Rhino crossed his arms over his massive chest, declaring "You learned much already on your computer. You can learn more if you need."
Medved shot right back "But how does that help us understand what happened in the here-and-now?"
Tom didn't miss a beat, answering with a grunt. "Stefanie still has a phone call from her parents which is owed a return call... not only would doing so give her a chance to answer question, it would also make her a good daughter."
I had to admit that he sounded a little like my grandmother, but he also wasn't wrong. Considering the proposed options I came to a simple conclusion: the proposed options weren't by any means mutually exclusive. "We'll do all of the above. Kyle, tell Anapa to get the ritual ready while I call my dad and mom, then go find whoever you know that has more information on Mishipeshu... I'll look up for tickets back to Prineville and we'll leave tomorrow."
With the plan in place, the Spirits and I broke our huddle with everyone heading off to their prospective tasks. Anapa took control of the living room, preparing for whatever ritual it was that he thought would help; Tom decided to oversee it and, even though he and the Jackal didn't speak the same language, the Rhino ended up helping out in preparing for it.
Kyle, before leaving, looked back at me from the doorway. "There's a lot going on, Stef... please don't burn yourself out."
It was sweet that he was worried about me but, at that point I had no doubt that there'd be any way I could possibly get everything together and find time to rest. I'm not usually much of a liar, but a little white lie was sometimes the best way to move things forward. "Don't worry, Kyle. I know my limits."
He shot me one more glance; his expression looked concerned. After that, he left, hopefully to find something-- anything really that would help me understand something about the spirit who may have had something to do with Billy's passing. After that I grabbed my laptop and my cell and retreated to my room; Medved was waiting for me when I arrived. The Bear was sitting in the chair he'd apparently claimed as his own, and held out a paw to me as I stepped through the door. I accepted it, and he acknowledged me with a simple "Stefanika."
I accepted the upturned paw, putting my hand into his palm. He stood, guiding me to my desk like a proper old-fashioned gentleman and, once I sat, he returned to his own seat. It was a needless gesture, but it still made me feel better. Setting my laptop and phone down, I looked his way; although I had a lot to do, there was still something he and I had to discuss. "Medved... is that why you're so good to me?"
He didn't seem to get my meaning. His little, furry round ears rose to the top of his head. "What do you mean, Lapushka? I am good to you because you are my Stefanika, and I am your Guardian."
I pushed more than I probably should have. "... and my knight?"
The statement looked as though it hurt him. He looked away from me, holding up a paw to forestall further discussion on the point. "Stephanie-- you were right to ask for time. It is unfair for me-- for any of us to expect more from you while you deal with this. We should all support you in a way that is proper for us."
Although I didn't quite realize it at the time, I could tell he felt pain-- I think I probably felt a little of it too, but it didn't mean he was wrong. "I know... right. I do need this. Thank you."
He responded quietly. "Pozhaluysta."
The next hour is a blur in my memory; I gave my dad and mom a call back and they talked with me at the same time on speaker phone. I hadn't spoken with them since the funeral and, at first they had tons of questions and were worried but, as we continued our talk they became more indignant and, finally, my dad suggested that I consider moving back home in a way that almost sounded like it was more of an order. It was the confrontation I'd been dreading but, just when I was wondering if I had the strength in me to tell them off, Medved's paw sought out my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
He gave me the strength I needed. "I'm building a life for myself here in Cherry City. I'm making ends meet. I have a place-- it's a good place, and a job that helps me pay my bills. I'm not moving back."
The phone was quiet for a lot longer than I'd expected before either of my parents spoke up, but when one finally did it wasn't the answer I expected. My mom said simply "Okay."
I was honestly surprised by her acceptance; between the two of them I'd figured she'd be the harder nut to crack. "Okay?"
Dad elaborated. "Your mother and I had a lot of time to talk, and we decided that we'd extend the offer, but if you said 'no' then we wouldn't push you... just so long as it wasn't because of anything we did."
Mom quickly interjected. "We didn't do something wrong, did, we, Sweety?"
With that stress off of my shoulders, it was suddenly so much easier to speak with them. I reiterated for what I thought was the fourth or fifth time that I was living in Cherry City to follow my dreams, not to escape them and no, they were amazing parents and hadn't done anything wrong. I finished up my lengthy monologue with "And I love you two... just because I'm living out here doesn't mean that you're out of my life or that I'm out of yours."
Dad has always been quick on the uptake, and his invitation made it that much easier for me. "Well, sweetheart, you know you're always welcome to visit... do you have Labor Day off? It's only a few weeks away and we can have your room ready if--"
He made it so easy, in fact, that I pushed forward with making my upcoming trip easier. "Actually, I'll probably be getting ready for a project... but, what about this week? Would that work?"
Mom sounded relieved beyond measure. "Of course! Any time, Honey. When do you want to come by? Friday? Saturday?"
During the quick exchange I was already looking up train tickets. "Actually, there's a special on rail line tickets right now and I'm between projects... I can be there tomorrow afternoon if that'd be--"
Mom didn't want for me to finish. "We can pick you up from the station!"
Dad was a little more thoughtful about it. "Well, I can have Terry take over at the station tomorrow, but I'll probably have to go in for a few hours in the morning to make sure the guys have everything set for an inspection we have coming up. what time were you thinking of getting in, Stef?"
I looked at the ticket listing. "It looks like I can be there around... 3:15?"
We confirmed the time and when we disconnected (after another round of "I love you"s), I had a feeling that all three of us were better for having been in touch. Without bothering to provide any elaboration or explanation, the moment I set the phone down I turned and gave Medved an enormous hug. He was ready for it.
He held me close, giving me the kind of comforting, warm hug I desperately needed at that moment. I had tickets for the next day and I'd be going home. I'd spoken with my Dad and my Mom and it had gone well. I had four Spirits-- four friends who were willing to help me figure out the things I needed to figure out and find the closure that would hopefully quiet all of the thoughts in my head about my brother and the mystery surrounding his passing. As the embrace came to an end he slowly loosened his hold on me. I looked up at him and he looked down at me with a bitter-sweet smile. I--
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