TO THE MOON AND BACK
Part 4
"Mom, where are you?" the call echoed through the house. Maddie smiled at the sheer urgency of the call. "In the den, Zack," she answered.
A whirlwind of blue and gold burst through the door, and threw himself upon her.
"Mom, mom, wait'll you hear, we're going camping, in a real tent, can I go, can I?"
Maddie grinned at her son, resplendent in his cub scout uniform. He was a picture – his black hair shining, his large almond shaped eyes darting in all directions.
"Slow down, kiddo," said Maddie, "One thing at a time. Where's Julie?"
"Ah, she's too darned slow. I left her behind on the steps."
"Zachary David Hayes, I have told you time and time again to stay with Julie!"
"Uh oh – 3 names. I must be in big trouble, huh Mom?"
"Are you sure you're only six?" she responded
"Six and a half," he responded proudly.
"Well, Mr. Six and a Half, give me a kiss, and go get Julie – it's time for dinner."
He complied with her request and scampered out the door.
She looked after him, shaking her head, and for the millionth time, thanked God that she had been in Zhebgzhou the day Zack had entered her life………………..
After she established "Reaching for the Moon", she found herself returning to China about four times a year, ostensibly to keep up good relations with the government. But if truth be told, it was mostly to visit Betsy and the children. It was on one such visit that she happened upon the staff gathered around a small wicker basket. They chattered animatedly in Chinese.
"What's up, Betsy?" she inquired. She was still making progress in her quest to learn Chinese, but they were much too fast for her.
Betsy: Look Maddie, a rarity, a real pearl.
Maddie: What, a baby? A baby in a basket, not so rare around here.
Betsy: Oh, but look! A boy baby!
Maddie glanced inside the basket, and was instantly in love. The solemn little face immediately flashed a crooked grin, and his hands reached for Maddie's necklace.
Betsy: Maddie, he's flirting with you.
Maddie: (Grinning) MEN!!!
Maddie gathered him into her arms. So soft, so sweet. She had held hundreds of babies in the last few years –why did this feel so different?
Betsy: He's not a newborn. I wonder what his story is. Somebody took pretty good care of this little guy.
Maddie: Well, let's get him to the doctor for a checkup. And stick a blue bow on him so we don't get him confused.
Maddie's scheduled one week visit extended to two and then to three. She found herself unexpectedly drawn to this little boy with the big brown eyes. She was changing his diaper and singing to him when Betsy walked into the room.
Betsy: Maddie, can we talk?
Maddie: Sure, let me finish with this guy.
Betsy: About this guy……
Maddie: (Talking to the baby) He sure is handsome, aren't you kiddo?
Betsy: I'm going to go out on a limb here and make a suggestion.
Maddie: OK, shoot.
Betsy: He's YOUR baby – you need to adopt him.
Maddie: Oh Betsy, if only I could.
Betsy: And why can't you – give me 3 good reasons?
Maddie: I can probably give you 300 – me, by myself, no husband, no significant other……hell, no insignificant other.
Betsy: And I can give you one good reason why you should adopt him….you love him more than anything.
Maddie's eyes welled up with tears.
Maddie: No, not more than anything. As much as anything…as much as I think I loved my own baby – our baby.
Betsy stood speechless.
Maddie: I know I've never discussed it with you. About three years ago, I was expecting a baby. There were some difficulties, and I lost the baby in the eighth month.
Betsy: Oh Maddie, how awful!
Maddie: Yeah, Betsy, it was awful. The most awful thing that has ever happened to me.
Betsy: And can I ask, what about the Dad??
Maddie: It absolutely devastated him – us. It was the beginning of the end. We loved each other, but it wasn't enough. We parted company a little while afterwards, and I haven't seen him since.
Betsy: I'm sorry.
Maddie: (smiling sadly) It was a long time ago.
Betsy: And this is now. And this little guy is here. Maddie, it's fate -- you were here the day he arrived –almost as if he were a special delivery just for you.
Maddie: (almost whispering to herself) Kismet. I just don't know.
Betsy: I just don't think you can afford not to – he's your second chance.
Maddie: I really need to think about this.
Maddie thought and thought for days. She plotted, planned and schemed. Somewhere through the fourth week, she realized that she had stopped worrying about why she couldn't take the baby, and started planning how she could.
Betsy noticed the subtle change and made a suggestion.
Betsy: Maddie, this little guy needs a name.
Maddie: So you've figured out I'm going to do it, huh? I went to the consulate and filled out the paperwork today. Because of my experience with this and my involvement with the government, I should be able to take him home in about four months.
Betsy (embracing Maddie and the baby) So what's his name?
Maddie: I've always felt a great deal of affinity to the name Zack – almost as if I knew somebody by that name in a former life.
Betsy: Zack it is. Zachary, right?
Maddie: Yeah, I think. Does he look like a Zack??
Betsy: It's perfect. What about a middle name? Your father, a brother, a close friend?
Maddie didn't hesitate.
Maddie: David – Zachary David Hayes – my second chance.
She held the baby close to her.
Maddie: I will need to be getting home to complete all the work, paper and otherwise, so I can take him back with me as soon as possible. Betsy, will you take care of my baby for me?
Betsy: With pleasure.
Maddie left three days later after taking dozens of snapshots and trying to memorize Zack's tiny body inch by inch. She had accomplished much within those three days, and her elated mom and dad would be waiting at the San Francisco airport for her, to help with all the necessary arrangements.
Betsy had driven Maddie to the Beijing airport, and they had brought Zack along. A slow steady stream of tears flowed down her cheeks as she chatted to Zack.
Maddie: Before you know it, I'll be back. You'll be a big old guy and we'll go in an airplane to San Francisco. You'll meet Grandmom and Grandpop Hayes.
Betsy: Maddie, if you don't quit the last minute instructions, you'll miss your plane. I'll guard him with my life, I promise you.
Maddie gave Betsy a last big, hug.
Maddie: I trust you with my heart!!
Betsy: We'll be waiting here for you in four months. We promise.
Maddie showered kisses on the little round cheeks, and quickly walked onto the plane right before the doors closed.
Her joy had been complete when almost four months to the day, she and Zack had gone home to San Francisco together. Sure it had been tough, but Maddie's eager parents had helped fill in the gaps until Maddie had established her routine.
Zack grew up in the offices of "Reaching for the Moon" and became their best advertisement. No one could resist him – least of all Maddie. She had become a wonderful mother – perhaps a little overindulgent – but giving and caring, with a depth of emotion for this child that she would have never dreamed possible.
Just two years ago, she had found Julie, a college student majoring in education, who helped with Zack, while helping to finance her education. She and Zack were kindred spirits, and Maddie trusted her implicitly.
And they all lived happily ever after…………….
Maddie awakened from her reverie. No luxury of lying around here now. She walked
into the kitchen where Julie was removing the casserole from the stove.
"Yum;" said Zack, "Mac and cheese."
"Big surprise," laughed Julie.
"Here's the big surprise," said Maddie, as she approached the refrigerator. "I'll go along with your choice of main dish, if you'll humor me." She pulled out a large green salad.
"I don't eat green stuff," protested Zack.
"Your choice," said Maddie. "No salad, no more mac and cheese."
"OK just a little'" he pleaded, looking up at her with the puppy dog eyes.
"All right, con artist," she replied, " Let's get a move on."
Julie approached with three plates. "Oh Julie, none for me," she said.
Zack glanced at her suspiciously.
Zack: You're not hungry? What about YOUR salad?
Maddie: No, Zack, I need to go out for a little while this evening.
Zack: Where, with who?
Maddie: I'm meeting an old friend for dinner, honey. Somebody I haven't seen for a long time.
Zack: What's your friend's name , Mom?
Maddie: Mr. Addison.
Zack: I know – he's me! I mean, I'm him – the same name, I mean!!
Maddie: That's right, your middle name is Mr. Addison's first name.
Zack: (interrupting) David!
Maddie: Um hmm
Zack: He's the funny guy you used to work with – right?
Maddie: Yes.
Zack: I know – do bears bear? Do bees be?
Maddie took a double take at his "right on" imitation.
Maddie: Zack, you'll probably grow up to be an actor and give your poor mother untold heartache.
Zack: No Mom, I want to be a juggler. I want to juggle fire, like that guy at the circus.
Maddie: That's much better.
Zack: Can I come with you and see Mr. Addison…Mr. David???
Maddie: Not tonight, kiddo. Remember, I got you a movie to watch. And if you're very good for Julie, maybe we'll go to the zoo tomorrow.
Zack: Then promise me.
Maddie: Promise you what, honey?
Zack: Promise me Mr. Addison can go to the zoo with us.
Maddie: I don't know what Mr. Addison's plans are, Zack.
She looked at his determined face. This battle would rage all night if she didn't put a stop to it.
Maddie: I promise I'll ask him, how's that?
Zack: (hugging her around the neck) You know you're the best Mom. I love you to the moon and back.
Maddie: (hugging back) Yeah, yeah, yeah. See you in the morning. I love you too.
With Zack and Julie settled comfortably in the den, Maddie glanced at her watch, and picked up the pace.
Undress, shower, dry, blow dry – don't think!! But sitting at her make up mirror – how could she help but think.
She peered closely into the mirror, winced, and then smiled at her reflection – recalling a conversation from long ago…………..
"I don't give a flying fig about the lines, on my face, the crow's feet around my eyes, or the altitude of my caboose," to which David had quickly replied, "Hey, that's ok…that's what you've got me for!"
She looked again – and was happy with what she saw. Crow's feet, yes, but it was a happy face now. The lines upon it had been gotten honestly…..from laughing, smiling….fun things.
David had always appreciated the fun things – and she hadn't. It was easy to sit here now and see the mistakes she had made – they had made. Sure there were regrets, but Maddie knew that they never would have made it back then. In spite of the depth of their feelings, they had been two people in their 30's, caught in the throes of delayed adolescence.
"Well," Maddie thought, " Time heals all wounds, isn't that what they say? We'll just see about that."
She still had not decided how to handle this meeting. She was curious to know why David had shown up here after all this time. And whatever was his proposition??"
She looked in the mirror for a final time, and liked what she saw. The tailored slacks and sweater set were a perfect outfit for a casual San Francisco dinner with a friend. She took a last swipe at her hair, and descended the stairs.
"Zack, Julie, I'm ready to go," called Maddie.
Zack catapulted out the door. "Mom, what a cool movie. It's about a man and a boy and a chocolate factory."
She smiled, "I'd love to hear it sweetie, but I will be late if I don't get going."
"OK," he responded, "but remember, you promised to tell Mr. Addison about me."
"Zack, I can guarantee you, you'll be quite the topic of conversation. See you in the morning, kiddo. Love you." Maddie gave him a big hug.
Zack smiled, " Bye, Mom. Love you too."
Maddie walked out the door and headed down the steps to her car. She turned the key in the ignition, and slipped a cassette into the player.
It was her favorite song, found during the dark days after she sold Blue Moon. It had then become like an anthem while establishing "Reaching for the Moon"….its title had seemed perfect for the name of her new venture. The soothing, old fashioned tune had calmed many an anxious moment in her past.
She sang along softly:
A pale new moon, a sky of blue
And here I am, but where are you?
A dream of love would soon come true
If I could reach the moon and you.
The moon and you appear to be
So near and yet so far from me
And here I am on a night in June
Reaching for the moon and you.
I wonder if we'll ever meet
My song of love is incomplete
I'm just the words, looking for the tune
Reaching for the moon and you.
Same words, same tune, different meaning. Almost a lifetime had passed, and she was ready for this. She had promised Zack he would be a topic of conversation………and then some, she was sure. Reaching for the moon had brought her Zack….perhaps more was in store.
Flirting with disaster…………..looking for her life………….or just dinner with an old friend. Who knew??? But it was time she got to it.
She smiled and steered the car towards California Street.