Sydney to the Max: The Four Amigas - The Adult Years

by Fun But Shy Girl

The Four Amigas are finally all grown up, dealing with adult issues including raising kids, dealing with controversies at work, and managing all of their relationships and family issues. There's plenty of humor, but also lots of heart, strong life lessons, and tough topics that are taken on; all carrying the spirit of what you've come to expect from great Sydney to the Max stories.

5. Twelve Months of Happiness

Episode 5 - Twelve Months of Happiness

Written by: Fun But Shy Girl

Based on Characters Created by: Mark Reisman

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Month 1:

Sophia was walking down a hallway in an assisted living center while holding a wrapped package. Sophia then knocked on an open door, as she stepped into a room where a man her age was sitting in a wheelchair. Sophia looked at the man as she said, "Hello. Are you Mike Zimmerman?" The brown haired man named Mike smiled as he said, "Yep. That's me. Are you one of the volunteers with that group that came in this morning?" Sophia nodded her head and said, "Yes. I was assigned to get you a gift. I saw you had asked for art supplies. I wasn't sure what to go for, so I went with paint and paint brushes." Mike looking pleased said, "Yes. I can always use more paint." Sophia then put the wrapped gift on a table near Mike. Mike then moved his first hand up and then said, "Um... if they didn't tell you, I only have limited mobility in my right arm. Do you mind..." Sophia looking guilty, quickly began to open the gift as she said, "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. I should've read more about your profile. I apologize." Mike chuckled and said, "Hey. I lost my dignity long ago when I started to need help from other people to just to go to the bathroom."

Once Sophia finished opening the gift, she started looking around the room and noticed many paintings hanging on the walls. An amazed looking Sophia then said, "Wow. You must be friends with a lot of people who love art, because these other gifts you have hanging on the wall here look amazing." Mike then casually said, "Oh those aren't gifts. I made those myself." An amazed Sophia looked at Mike as she said, "Seriously?" Mike nodded his head as he said, "Yeah. I mean I dabbled in art when I was young, but when I landed in this wheelchair nine years ago, I suddenly found myself with a lot more time on my hands. My right arm may have limited mobility, but I can still hold a brush well." As Sophia looked around the room she said, "It's just... this stuff you've made... it looks like it should be in a museum." An appreciative Mike smiled as he said, "Thanks. You want one?"

Sophia looked surprised as she said, "Oh. I couldn't." Mike smirked as he said, "Come on. I get way too many gifts every year from strangers, but never get the chance to give one myself. Besides, the teenage volunteers don't care about this kind of stuff, and the old volunteers already got too much stuff at home. You strike me as someone who actually would enjoy one of these pieces." Sophia then gently grabbed one painting of a forest as she said, "Well... thank you. Oh. I'm Sophia by the way." Mike smiled as he said, "Good to meet you Sophia. You planning to volunteer here again some time?" Then Sophia said, "Well... my job is pretty busy..." Mike then said, "Eh, that's okay. But if you ever wanna visit on board game night, I could always use some fresh competition. All the other residents here have gotten too predictable." A curious Sophia then said, "Well... what kind of board games do you like to play?"

Month 2:

Sophia and Mike were sitting on opposite sides of a table, with a game of Monopoly on the table before them. Sophia handed Mike a pair of dice as she said, "Okay. Time to see you roll." Mike then began to shake his right hand as he said, "Come on baby. Give me the money. Give me the money. Papa needs a new pair of shoes." Mike then rolled his dice, and Sophia laughed as she said, "Yes. Six! You land on Boardwalk and have got a serious bill to pay me!" Mike laughed and said, "Aw man. You too good at this girl. How have you won three times in a row now?" As Sophia held up her pretend money, she said, "It's all about the properties just past jail. Everyone lands on those spaces more often statistically speaking; thus you increase your income more quickly." Mike looking intrigued said, "Nice idea. Well I rolled doubles, so let me go again."

Sophia handed Mike the pair of dice, but then Mike dropped them. Sophia then got onto the ground as she said, "I'll get them." Mike looking relieved said, "Thanks. Do you know how annoying it is when I play against another wheel-chair bound resident? We have to wait up to thirty minutes sometimes for a staff member to pick them up. Let me tell you, you don't realize how amazing bending down is until you lose that ability." Sophia looking curious then said, "Mike... how did you lose your ability to bend down, walk, and move around?" Mike sighed and then said, "Real bad car accident. Moral I learned too late: slow down when driving in the rain near a cliff. But hey, it's all in the past. I wasn't able to get my mobility back, but docs restored my good looks and my painting hand." Sophia looking a bit shocked said, "Wow. I thought the worst thing one could experience in their 30's was being constantly single. But to lose what you have..." Mike in a reassuring voice said, "Hey. Life ain't about complaining what you don't have. It's about making the most of what you can do. Hey anyway, next week: you wanna try getting into role-playing games?" A curious Sophia then said, "What type of role-playing games?"

Month Three:

Sophia and Mike sat in front of a complicated board game, as Sophia rolled two odd shaped dice. Mike then looked at a book near him as he said, "And according to this: your hero now has the power to fly himself and my hero to the main villain. If we both roll a high enough number, we win the game." Sophia handed Mike the dice, and he rolled. Then Sophia rolled the dice and said, "Twelve plus ten is twenty two! We beat the game!" Mike smiled as he said, "Yes! Victory is ours!" Sophia smiled as she said, "Sweet. This was actually a lot of fun. Anyway, I better get home. Also, I won't be here tomorrow but I'll still be back on Friday." A curious Mike then said, "Ooo. You got a hot date?" Sophia sighed and said, "I wish. Just a work training thing. It be nice though to go on a date. Never really been on a real one before." A curious Mike then said, "Wait. You're in your late 30's and you still haven't been on a real date?" Sophia sighed and said, "It's complicated. I'll tell you about it some time."

Month Four:

Sophia was pushing Mike in his wheelchair through an outdoor garden as she said, "And so after me and David ended our friends with benefits arrangement... I just haven't been the same since." Mike sighed and said, "I'm so sorry you had to go through all that Sophia. But you know... it sounds like every time you were honest with both yourself and others about what you were doing, things started to get better." Sophia nodded her head and said, "I guess that's true. I always seemed to feel a little better when I told the other Amigas at least about what I had been struggling with. But... I'm just worried that if I dump this all on the next person I wanna date in the future... I'll just scare them away." Mike then with certainty in his voice said, "Hey. We're all flawed and broken. And those that you think are seemingly perfect, are just good at hiding how broken they are. There's never gonna be a perfect moment when you're ready to date again. You just have to be honest with what flaws you have now, so that special someone can help you grow from there." A curious Sophia then said, "You really think so?" Mike in a matter of fact way said, "Hey. My flaws are on full display for people to see every day. If I haven't died of shame yet, you won't either." Sophia then made a little smile as she said, "Thanks Mike."

Month Five:

Sophia and Mike sat together in Mike's room watching TV. The two's eyes widened as Mike said, "What? They're leaving us on that crazy cliffhanger!?" Sophia looked amazed as she said, "Wow. They're really pulling out all the stops on this new reboot of Werewolf Girlfriend. Well anyway, I better go." Mike then said, "Oh, Sophia. That new painting of mine that I just finished. Feel free to take it. It'll probably look great in your kitchen, based on those pictures you shared with me." A surprised Sophia then said, "Really? You sure? I mean this is the third painting you've given me now, and I know these take a long time to make." Mike then casually said, "Eh, the staff here aren't allowed to accept gifts from me. Besides, it deserves to be in the hands of an art collector like yourself." Sophia then gently took the painting as she said, "Thank you Mike."

Month Six:

Sophia was pushing Mike in his wheelchair up a hill in the dark, as Mike said, "Please Sophia, you don't have to do this. You look like you're about to lose the use of your legs." As Sophia pushed, she said, "Nope. You've been watching TV fireworks for too long now. Tonight, you get to see them live and up close." Then just as Sophia and Mike reached the top of the hill, fireworks began to go off. Mike looked up and smiled as he said, "Wow. Oh wow. They look amazing! Just... wow." Sophia sat next to Mike and looked at him proud as she said, "I'm glad you like it." Sophia then rested her hand on the side of Mike's wheelchair as she began to look up at the fireworks with him. Mike then moved his right hand and gently used it to hold Sophia's hand. Sophia and Mike then looked at each other and smiled.

Month Seven:

Sophia and Mike were playing a board game together as Sophia said, "So any other cool events happening here soon? That ice cream social a week ago was amazing." Then Mike said, "Well there's a dance coming next month. Not that I can participate." Sophia looking a little upset said, "What about those leg brace things? Haven't they made new ones that can help people at least stand up still?" Mike sighed and said, "Those work better for people who have two working arms. It's okay. It's more about socializing anyway." Sophia then looked away as she said, "Hmm..."

Month Eight:

Mike sat in his room in his wheelchair while watching TV. Sophia then walked into the room wearing a long blue dress as she said, "Turn off the TV, and just go with what I got planned." Mike looked confused as he turned off the TV, as Sophia turned on a music player, while also setting up a portable disco ball. Sophia then dimmed the lights and looked at Mike as she said, "Okay. I've been seriously working out a lot this past month and have been practicing lifting my own body weight." A confused Mike then said, "Why?" Then Sophia unstrapped Mike from his wheelchair as she said, "For this." Then Sophia turned on some slow dance music, and lifted Mike out of his chair as she helped him get into two large leg braces. Mike's body was now positioned where he was standing uward, as Sophia put her arms around Mike and allowed him to lean against her. Sophia then swayed back and forth as she held Mike close. Mike simply held his right arm around Sophia as he had had a look of amazement on his face. Sophia swayed back and forth for several moments, as a happy looking Mike rested his head on Sophia's shoulder. Then Sophia eventually put Mike back in his chair as she said, "Sorry if that felt weird." Mike with a big smile on his face said, "No... it was the best dance I've ever had with someone. Thank you Sophia." Sophia looking worn out, smiled though as she said, "Thanks Mike."

Month Nine:

Sophia was packing up a bag as Mike sat sat in front of her in his room. As Sophia packed up she said, "Okay. Same time tomorrow then?" Then Mike said, "Oh. Before you go, I have something for you. It's hiding behind my bed." Sophia then curiously went behind Mike's bed, and pulled out a painting. Sophia's eyes widened as she saw it was a painting of herself and Mike sitting together in the garden. Mike smiled as he said, "I used a photo one of the staff took of us as a basis. Although I didn't have to look at the photo to remember how beautiful your face looks." A few tears appeared in Sophia's eyes as she said, "Mike... I've never met anyone who's been so kind to me." Then Mike said, "Well you're a wonderful person Sophia, and deserve to be treated well. So let that painting remind you what real kindness looks like when you're trying to find the right guy to go out with." Sophia suddenly looked a bit shook up as she said, "Oh... yeah." Mike sighed and then said, "Sophia... you spend a lot of time with me... and for that I'm so grateful. But don't let a wheelchair bound cripple like me hold you back from going out and living your life to it's full potential, okay?" Sophia sighed and then said, "I... okay."

Month Ten:

Sophia sat in a break room at her workplace, as several woman around her were eating their lunch and talking. As they talked, one woman said, "I can't believe my freaking husband won't learn how to fix a car. He claims to be a handyman; so why can't he be handy around our car?" Then another woman said, "I hear that. My man when he tried to buy us a new car, couldn't stick up for himself when he tried to haggle. Kept stuttering over his own words. Now we won''t have a nice vacation this summer." Then a younger woman said, "Well my husband keeps forgetting to help me wash the dishes when the TV is on. I don't care if he claims to have freaking ADHD. He's the man, so he should just figure it out." Then Sophia suddenly with an angry face, stood up and looked at the women as she said, "What's with you all? You think any man you marry is supposed to be absolutely perfect!? At least you have husbands that can fix things, that can make enough money to afford new cars, and at least try to do the dishes. Instead of defining your husbands by what they struggle at or are unable to do, why not be thankful for and love them for what they can do." Then Sophia grabbed her belongings and walked out fo the room upset.

Month Eleven:

Mike was sitting in his room looking at a book he had laid in front of him. Sophia then walked into the room quickly and sat down as she said, "Mike, we have to talk." A confused Mike then said, "What is it? What's wrong Sophia?" Sophia took a deep breath and said, "Mike... I've been thinking about this for a long time, and you need to know... I love you. And I know you must feel the same way." Mike sighed, sat silent for a moment, and then said, "Sophia... look, I've been trying to nudge you away from the idea of us being together because... look at me. I can't provide for you and care for you." Then Sophia held Mike's right hand and said, "But the thing is... you have provided and cared for me... with love, warmth, and emotional support like no other. I don't care if we cant have a normal life. I don't care if we can't be intimate the way ideal couples can. I'll take board games, awkward dances, free paintings, and quality conversations with you over anything any other man has ever offered me... because unlike other men I've been with... you, Mike... are the only one that has given me everything he can." Mike sat silent for a moment, but then said, "Sophia, can I whisper something to you?" Sophia moved her head forward, but just as she did, Mike used his one hand to move Sophia's face closer, and then he kissed her on the lips. Sophia remained still for a moment as she kissed Mike back. Then eventually Sophia moved her face away, as a smiling Mike said, "I love you too."

Month Twelve:

Sophia and Mike were laying in the same bed together. Mike was laying on his back as Sophia was laying on her side next to him. Mike turned his head and looked into Sophia's eyes as he said, "I've never felt so happy before in my life. I... I wish I could do more for you. Like... touch you more or maybe..." Sophia then put a finger on Mike's mouth and said, "Shhh. It's okay. This is more than enough." Then Mike said, "Um. So... under my bed is a present I got you." Sophia then looked under the bed, and pulled out a small wrapped box as she said, "Aww. Thanks. What's the occasion?" Mike smirked as he said, "Well if you don't remember, I do. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the day we first met. But don't open the gift here. I want you to open the gift at home where you can decide by yourself with all the time you need if you want to accept the gift or not." A curious Sophia then said, "What? Is it expensive? I guess this is too small to be a painting." Mike then said, "Just... please open it up later, and then you can tell me tomorrow if you wanna keep it. Okay?" Sophia smiled as she leaned over, kissed Mike on the lips, and said, "Whatever you want my beautiful boyfriend."

The Next Day:

Sophia with an eager look, walked into the assisted living center. Sophia walked into Mike's room and saw it was empty. Sophia looked around as she said, "Mike? Mike, where are you?" A nurse then walked into the room and said, "Sophia? Oh my goodness. We tried to contact you." A concerned looking Sophia said, "Where's Mike?" The nurse sighed and said, "Mike... he... he died in his sleep last night." A look of complete shock went across her face as Sophia said, "What?! I... how?" The nurse then said, "His heart had been slowly getting weaker for some time now. I mean we were never certain about how much time he was going to have left to begin with." Sophia's body began to shake as she began to sit in a chair. The nurse then put a hand on Sophia's shoulder as she said, "Listen. I've worked here since Mike first came in. And for the first nine years, he was very lonely and sad. But then you started seeing him and... you caused his last twelve months to be full of happiness. I... I'm sorry." The nurse then walked out of the room as Sophia sat stunned for a moment. Then Sophia got onto Mike's bed and began to loudly sob.

Two Weeks Later:

Sophia sat by herself holding a small box in a cemetery as she sat in front of a grave stone. On it was Mike's name. Sophia sat with a sad look on her face, as Sydney walked over from nearby and sat next to Sophia. Sydney then looked at Sophia as she said, "It was a beautiful service the other day. I only met him a few times but... Mike did seem like he was a really nice guy." As tears appeared in Sophia's eyes she said, "Why him Sydney? With so many terrible jerks in the world, why did a man as kind as Mike have to be paralyzed and then die so young?" Sydney sighed and then said, "I don't want to act like I fully understand how God works. But... maybe He kept Mike still long enough, so that you would run into him, and then he could make you better. Because even though he's gone... he did make you better Sophia... as long as you let his memory impact you in a positive way." Sydney then stood up, and walked away as Sophia continued to look at Mike's grave. Then Sophia looked at the box in her hands which was the same box that Mike had given her on their last night together. Sophia then opened the box, and inside was a silver ring, and a note that said: Will You Marry Me? Sophia put the ring on, and then looked at the grave crying as she said, "It would've been yes Mike... It would've been yes."

The End