Tuesday’s Child

Chapter 26

THEY WERE EXCITED, BABBLING TO EACH OTHER, AS THEY watched the sleek charter plane’s wheels hit the runway. The late-afternoon sun coated the plane and the surrounding air in a golden sheen that looked like a glistening nimbus. That did not go unnoticed by any of the six people waiting expectantly for Sophie Lee’s arrival.

The plan was for all of them to return to the Aulani offices, where two bottles of Dom Pérignon were chilling for a small celebration. And then, Kala had said, “us old people will go about our business and let the young people get reacquainted.” Meaning, of course, Sophie, Patty, and Nick. Patty had argued with Nick for hours, saying Sophie needed to stay with her. Nick could see the logic of it, and, of course, he was invited along, but still he didn’t like it. He wanted Sophie to himself. He wanted so much, but he knew that Sophie couldn’t be overwhelmed right then.

“Slow and steady” had been Ben’s fatherly advice, and he knew it was good advice. Following it would be the hard part. His good hip ached. He ignored the ache and concentrated on the plane, which had just come to a standstill. Even though he wore sunglasses, the glare of the sun was blinding. Would he even be able to see Sophie clearly when she first appeared in the cabin doorway? He could hardly wait to drink in the sight of her.

Jay sidled up to Kala, his cell in hand. He read from a short text he’d just received. “Press conference is scheduled for ten o’clock at the courthouse. Spenser confirmed. We’re good to go, Kala.”

Kala nodded. Her big problem was what color flower to wear in her hair. Red or white? A wicked thought raced through her mind. She wondered if she could convince Spenser to wear a white hibiscus in his lapel, and she’d wear one in her hair. A united front. The bullshit is over. We’re a team who in the end just wants justice to be served. No one’s ego had to be stroked. Done. Over. Her heart kicked up an extra beat.

“The door is opening,” Patty squealed.

“You look too serious, sweetheart,” Ben whispered in Kala’s ear. “Lighten up. By the way, when we go home, we are going to go through those mail sacks. An old friend of mine called me this morning to tell me he sent me something he wanted an opinion on and wanted to know why I hadn’t responded. I explained about the mail, being away, then coming back to this circus. I promised to read through it this evening and get back to him ASAP.”

“Works for me. I don’t have anything planned for this evening. And you’re right, I can’t back out my convertible because Patty dumped the sacks behind it. That means we have a plan. Are you going to grill some tuna for us? I’ll make the salad, and I’ll even clean the grill.”

“Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse. There’s our girl, Kala!”

And there she was. Sophie wore a white waffle-weave sundress that showed off her glorious tan. Kala blinked at her fashionable haircut, the highlights in it, but she was stunned to see a cluster of white hibiscus tucked behind her right ear. She frowned and didn’t know why. Around her neck, Sophie wore a scarlet lei that looked professionally made. The frown stayed on Kala’s face. Even from where she was standing she could make out the gold locket around Sophie’s neck. She wondered why the young woman wasn’t moving. It looked to her like Sophie was posing, so that the moment was frozen in time. And then she saw the big dog heading down the steps. Sula! She’d forgotten about Sula.

Kala looked down at the shopping bag at Patty’s feet. Jon’s ashes.

The sun dimmed as a puffy white cloud sailed underneath. All of them sucked in their breath as Sophie picked up her feet and ran toward them, Sula sprinting ahead.

Sophie stopped short at the gate, Sula at her side. She looked at everyone and started to cry before she walked through to her loved ones.

Nick wanted to hold out his arms and wished with all his might that Sophie would rush into them. She did, but not right away.

Patty, tears rolling down her face, could only say, “God, I missed you, Sophie.”

Jay and Linda smiled as they, too, wondered about the white flowers tucked into Sophie’s hair.

Sophie stepped to the side of the little group and homed in on Kala. Her smile rivaled the sun that was shining again. Kala watched as Sophie advanced and withdrew the scarlet lei and draped it around her neck. “I made it myself on the way here. I picked the flowers fresh and kept them cooled in the refrigerator on the plane. I made it just before we landed.” She hugged Kala so tight, Kala thought her ribs were cracked.

“Welcome home, Sophie,” Kala whispered.

Sophie went down the line, kissing, hugging, and crying until she came to Nick. She stepped into his outstretched arms and kissed him on the cheek. “There are no words to tell you how much I missed you, Nick,” she murmured against his cheek.

The three young people moved forward, leaving Jay, Linda, Kala, and Ben. A string of marshmallow clouds slid past the sun, allowing Kala to see the strange expression on Jay’s face.

“Time to celebrate, people! Our girl is home, and this whole sorry mess is finally over. Why are you all looking like that?” Ben asked.

“Like what?” Kala asked testily.

“Like you suddenly lost your best friend. You all just got your best friend back. We should be happy, and there should be a spring in your steps. You’re lagging,” Ben responded.

“Yeah, why is that?” Linda asked.

“I think it’s your imagination, Ben,” Kala said. “Sophie looks beautiful, doesn’t she, Linda?”

“She sure does. On my best day, I could never look that good,” Linda said, but there was no envy in her voice.

“Honey, you are every bit as beautiful as Sophie every day of your life.”

“That was certainly the right answer. Even if it isn’t true.” Linda giggled.

“That girl has come into her own. She’s set for life. She doesn’t have a worry in the world right now. What’s that old ditty, Kala?” Not waiting for a response, Ben came up with the answer. “Ah, yes, the world is her oyster. Meaning, of course, there is a priceless pearl in said oyster. Did I get that right, Kala?”

Kala smiled. “Close enough, dear. Look at them! Have you ever seen a happier trio in your life? Such a remarkable friendship. Such deep loyalty. And they’re orphans,” Kala said. She didn’t expect a comment, and there was none forthcoming.

The driving arrangements completed, everyone got in their cars to head to the Aulani offices for the celebration of Sophie’s return.

An hour later, the first champagne cork flew across the room. They all toasted Sophie’s return. They drained their glasses as Linda popped the second bottle. “This one is to sip before we call it a day,” she said happily.

Conversation was light and merry, the mood exuberant. Smiling faces abounded.

Ben Jefferson made the first move by nudging Kala. It was time to leave. Another round of hugs followed.

Kala and Ben were the first out the door, followed minutes later by Sophie, Patty, and Nick. Linda and Jay stayed behind to tidy up and close the office.

“Okay, Jay, spit it out. What’s bothering you?” Linda said as she swept the plastic champagne glasses into the trash basket. The empty champagne bottles followed. “And don’t tell me nothing is bothering you. I know you too well.”

“I just had a… kind of eerie feeling out there at the airport. I think Kala did, too. I think… I know this is going to sound silly, and maybe it’s a girl thing, but I think it had something to do with the flowers.”

Linda laughed until the tears rolled down her cheeks. “The flowers! The lei? Or the white flowers in Sophie’s hair? You’re right, that is silly. Sophie learned how to make the lei. She made it fresh just for Kala. And the white flowers in her hair the way Kala wears hers… that was just to show Kala she appreciated all that she’s done for her.”

Jay listened to his wife because he always listened to her. She had more street smarts and common sense than anyone he knew, and that included himself. “Okay, then maybe it was the color. Red is when Kala goes to war. White is for winning and victory. So why was the lei red? I think Kala was wondering the same thing. So there, Miss Smarty Pants. Explain it to me.”

Linda laughed again. “Is it even remotely possible that when it was time to pick the flowers, the red ones were the prettiest? Maybe you didn’t notice it because you’re a guy, but there were tiny white flowers in among the red ones. Did you miss that, my genius husband?”

“Yeah, I guess I did. This is one of those whatever kind of things, I’m thinking. Do you want to go out to eat or cook at home?” Jay asked, a clear indication that any further discussion about red or white flowers was over and done with.

“Home. I have this crazy urge to cook for you, darling. I want to wait on you hand and foot.”

“I do not want Lipton noodle soup and grilled cheese. I want real food. I want mashed potatoes, gravy, and a big slab of meat. You can have my salad. Oh, and I want a giant slice of blackberry pie with two scoops of vanilla ice cream.”

Linda sighed. Happily. “Okay, it’s Mulligans. It’s early enough that we won’t need a reservation. Carry on, fearless leader, and I’ll be right behind you.” Linda felt pleased with herself. Jay fell for it every time. She didn’t have to cook, and that was her intention all along. “But, if you keep that puss on, I’m going home. Show me some teeth now in a big smile.”

Jay grimaced, but Linda settled for what she called a half-assed smile.

Nine miles away Sophie, Patty, and Nick sat at Patty’s kitchen table with large glasses of sweet tea in front of them. Sula slept under the window.

“This is really a cute little house, Patty. It’s you. When are you guys going to tell me what’s in the shopping bag you’ve been carrying around?”

Seeing the uncomfortable look on Patty’s face, Nick jumped into the conversation. “So tell us what your plans are, Sophie.”

“Like I said in the car on the way here, I’m staying five days. I want to go to St. Gabriel’s to make a donation to Sister Julie and, of course, see all the nuns. That’s a whole day right there. I want to hang with you guys as much as I can, but I have meetings with the lawyers at Star. I have to make decisions. At least that’s what Kala told me. There is the news conference tomorrow. On the flight here, I was thinking I might like to go to the Star mansion and walk through it. I know how morbid that sounds, but for some strange reason I think I need to do that. Do you guys want to go with me?”

“Sure,” Nick said. He would have said yes to anything Sophie suggested. “We were just there a week ago. In all the excitement at the airport and the office, I guess we forgot to tell you. We found Audrey Star’s old journals. And the jewelry she kept at the mansion. You should see it, Sophie. Tons of diamonds and all kinds of fancy gold jewelry.”

“There wasn’t tons but there was a lot. Probably as much as the Queen of England has. What are you going to do with it all?” Patty asked curiously.

Sophie fingered the locket at her neck, then the bracelet on her wrist. “I don’t have a clue. I have to speak to some investment people. I’m sure they’ll have ideas. Was there anything there you two would like? If there is, help yourself.”

“Are you serious?” Patty asked, her jaw dropping.

“I think I’ll pass,” Nick said.

Sophie looked at Patty. “Of course I’m serious. Take it all if you want.”

“I couldn’t do that, Sophie. And anyway, I’m no lawyer, but I think it belongs to the estate and has to go through probate. There was a pair of earrings I liked, though.”

“Then when it’s all said and done, they’re yours,” Sophie said happily. “What’s in the bag, Sophie? And, I hate to bring this up, but what’s for dinner? Do you think we could order a loaded pizza? I have been dying for pizza. And an ice-cold root beer. Did you guys go and buy me a present? Is that the surprise that’s in the shopping bag?”

Nick had his cell phone in hand to call to order the pizza. He looked at Patty, and Patty looked at him. They both shrugged at the same time.

“It… it’s not a gift but it… it’s going to be a surprise,” Patty said in a choked voice.

Sophie grew so still, Sula got up and walked over to her, sensing something the others couldn’t define. “Why don’t you just tell me what’s in the bag? Is it Audrey’s last journal, the one you all couldn’t find?”

Nick looked so stricken, Patty had a hard time coming up with the words she was looking for. She finally blurted out, “Why would you think that?”

Sophie threw her hands up in the air. “I don’t know. You said a surprise. That’s the only surprise I can think of. You all said you couldn’t find it. The last piece of the puzzle, so to speak. If that isn’t it, then what is it? Don’t tell me it’s Sister Julie’s famous seven-layer chocolate cake. That’s it, right? Listen, I’m sensing something here, and I don’t know what it is. It feels to me like we’re all trying too hard to… to regain what we once had. We’re different people today. Ten years is a long time. I guess you two think I’m different, or now that I’m suddenly rich, I’m going to turn into someone else. That’s what I’m seeing here. Am I wrong? So, will one of you tell me what’s in the damn bag already so we can get past this… awkward moment.”

“It’s Jon’s ashes. Jon died several years after you went to prison. He got some kind of jungle bug, and with his weak immune system, he couldn’t fight it off. We had him cremated. Patty and I take turns keeping his ashes. It was Patty’s turn this week. She brought the urn to show you.”

Sophie’s face went totally blank. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because,” Patty said, bitterness ringing in her voice, “you cut off all visitation and the mail that we sent you was returned. We did try, Sophie.” Patty swiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks. Nick looked away before he knuckled his own eyes.

“I wonder why I didn’t sense something. We were all so close. I am so sorry. When I first got off the plane and saw the only person missing was Jon, I was going to ask you both if you thought he would be able to come back if I sent him a ticket. I thought… I thought… I could fly you all to Hawaii, and we could have an island reunion. But in the excitement, I forgot, and that’s not a good thing. I can’t believe… Let me see the urn, Patty.”

Patty bent over and removed the urn from the shopping bag. She held it close to her heart for a moment before she set it on the table. Sophie didn’t touch it, but she stared at it for a long time. “Was there a service?”

“Of course there was a service. Why would you even ask that question, Sophie?” Patty snapped.

“We took the urn to St. Gabe’s and had a service in the chapel. Father Latham officiated. It was sad but beautiful. Everyone cried. Why aren’t you crying, Sophie?” Nick asked coolly.

“I guess I’m in shock and still trying to absorb that Jon is gone. In prison you learn not to show emotion. If you do, you’re considered weak, and you become a target.”

Neither Nick nor Patty asked Sophie what she meant by that.

“Listen, would you guys mind if I turn in? I didn’t sleep at all last night because I was so excited about coming back. I’m really tired, and I can’t remember ever drinking two full glasses of champagne in my life. If it’s okay with you guys, we can do the pizza tomorrow. Plus, I just had the shock of my life.”

“No problem, Sophie. Go on upstairs. Your room is the first door on the left. It has its own bathroom,” Patty said.

There were no hugs, no kisses as Sophie left the kitchen. It was silent as she walked out to the living room, then to the foyer and up the staircase to the second floor. No one even said good night.

“Who was that person?” Nick asked in a strangled voice.

Patty flopped down on the kitchen chair. “I don’t know, Nick. Certainly not the Sophie I knew and loved. What happened here?” The tears started to flow again.

Nick lowered himself to the chair and reached for Patty’s hands. He squeezed them. “Prison does strange things to people. It changes them. You read about it all the time, and it’s always on the news.”

“But Sophie-I didn’t think anything could change her. She was happy to see us, yes, but… I don’t know how to put it, Nick. It’s like she was going through the motions. She didn’t shed a tear over Jon.”

“She said you could have all the jewelry. That’s Sophie, generous as always. And she was wearing the locket.” Nick realized how lame his defense was when Patty made a very unladylike snort of sound.

“All of a sudden she has to go to all these meetings. She has to take care of that empire she inherited. She’s rich now. She was going to fly us all to Hawaii for this grand reunion. The old Sophie would never have said things like that.”

“I thought that was generous of her. How else could she have said it, Patty?”

“I don’t know, Nick. All I’m saying is, this is not the old Sophie I knew and loved like a sister. If you think so, then you are just fooling yourself.”

“I will admit I was disappointed. But like I said, we all changed. Why should we think Sophie wouldn’t change? To her, we’re probably different, too. Maybe she was disappointed in us and kept it to herself. Ten years is a long time… I’m going home. Do you want to keep Jon or should I take him?”

“Go ahead, take him. I’ll pick him up next week after Sophie leaves. I’m sorry, Nick. I know you were expecting things to be different. I wish… dammit, I just wish things were different.”

“Good night, Patty. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Call me after the press conference, okay?”

“Sure.” She walked Nick to the door, let him kiss her cheek, and accepted the brief hug they always shared. Nick was real. Sophie didn’t feel real.