The Meet Up (Photo Story)

At the Christmas party, Amber crafted a plan to get to know Lea better in an effort to discover her true intentions. Right now, they’re chatting in the living room while the girls play in the adjacent play room.

Kayla’s precious. It’s clear that you’ve done a great job raising her. (Amber)

Thanks. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but it feels good to hear that I’ve done at least a few things right. (Lea)

I don’t mean to pry, but how have you managed on your own for all this time? (Amber)

Well, I wasn’t on my own, actually. I had help from my mom when she was well enough to give me a hand. (Lea)

Where is your mom now? (Amber)

She’s still in California. I asked her to move here with us, but she wouldn’t come. (Lea)

You said “when she was well enough”. Is she sick? (Amber)

She’s an alcoholic. She’s had a drinking problem since I was eleven. Every now and then, she pulls herself together and gets better, but it usually doesn’t last very long. When I got pregnant with Kayla, she was so excited to have a grandchild that she sobered up for almost two years. I think it was the longest she’s gone without drinking in at least a decade. But when things got difficult, she started drinking again. It’s how she copes. (Lea)

It must be heart wrenching to see someone you love self-destruct like that. (Amber)

Yeah, when I finish school, I plan to get a bigger place and move her here so I can look after her. I’m all she has. (Lea)

What do you mean? (Amber)

My dad remarried, so I have siblings on his side, but I’m my mom’s only child. (Lea)

How much longer before you finish school? (Amber)

Well, I start classes at AU this semester, this month in fact. I’m only two semesters away from graduation, but I can begin veterinary school once I complete this semester. (Lea)

Veterinary school? (Amber)

Mm hmm, I’m planning to be an equine veterinarian. (Lea)

Wow, you must really love horses? (Amber)

I do. I’ve known my whole life that I want to work with them. (Lea)

The kids come in to ask for something to eat.

Mommy, can we have a snack now? (Macee)

There are cookies on the table in the kitchen. Get juice boxes from the fridge. (Amber)

Mommy, I hungry. (Kayla)

Okay, follow your cousin into the kitchen. She's going to get cookies and juice. (Lea)

So, are you seeing anyone? (Amber)

No, I haven’t had time for much socializing. Finding a job, taking care of Kayla, and getting ready to go back to school have kept me pretty busy. (Lea)

Are you sure you aren’t waiting for someone in particular? (Amber)

You mean Tony? (Lea)

At the Christmas party, I thought… (Amber)

I confess that when I decided to come to Dollton, I hoped to find Tony unattached and I thought that maybe we could pick up where we left off and be a family. Lea shrugs. 

I was shocked to learn that he was engaged. (Lea)

Well, that makes two of us. (Amber)

They both laugh.

Anyway, I see that he’s quite happy and quite unavailable. Now, all I want is for Kayla to get to know her father. (Lea)

Once you’re settled, you should try to get out and mingle a bit. Despite what you may hear, there are some good single men in this town. (Amber)

Yeah? Maybe…I don’t know. It’s difficult with Kayla. I dated a little after I became a mom, but nothing ever got too serious. That’s why Tony’s still the only guy I ever…you know. (Lea)

Oh. (Amber, taking a big gulp of her coffee)

Maybe it will be easier now. Kayla has family here that can look after her while you make friends. (Amber)

Lea smiles appreciatively.

Thanks for reading!