(Rachel)
I was on a birthday mission. Santana and I were about to turn 21. It was our adulthood birthday. We could no longer be declared as my father's dependents on his health insurance or income tax. For me, it meant much more than that. It was the date that would fulfill an agreement I made with Dad when I was just nine years old. For a long time I forgot about the agreement, but as the date approached, because Dad was no longer with us, and because of the busy and intense year I had lived, the story kept coming to mind.
I know that most people when they turn 21 get their friends together and go get drunk in some bar. More or less the way Quinn's 21st birthday was celebrated. That was the desired cliché. But not for me. My birthday would be special in every way, because I'd be on a treasure hunt. For that, Santana's presence would be essential. She had no idea what I wanted to do, and complained barbarously when I presented her with two one-way plane tickets to Portland, and spent a week emotionally blackmailing her into going with me.
Santana longed for the cliché. She had been dreaming of her 21st birthday party since she was 12. Of course, in her pre-teen mind (with a few later modifications), the party would be held in Las Vegas with Brittany and all the friends she thought were important at the time. I wouldn't be part of the celebration because Santana, at 12, considered me boring, annoying, big-mouthed and undesirable. Nine years later, I've managed to reverse the "undesirable" and "big mouthed" in my sister's concept of me, and now I'm invited to her party. She still calls me annoying and irritating.
I jumped for joy when Thursday morning arrived and I saw Santana's suitcase ready for us to go to the airport. Our blood, genetic and spiritual ties have always spoken louder.
"Okay, Frodo, I hope this trip pays off, even though I don't know what we're going to do at the end of the world called Oregon. With so many interesting places to go on the west coast, why do we go to the worst? Why not San Francisco? Or Los Angeles itself? We could go to Disney, then head down to Vegas on a road trip. Or, I don't know, we could go to Mexico and get a tattoo. But Portland? What is there to do in Portland other than get bored? Have you ever seen Portland? It's like Cleveland, but instead of a lake, you get a boring river."
"You shouldn't speak badly of Cleveland. We were born there."
"Then let's go to Cleveland and celebrate our birth. We'll stay at zaide and bubbee's backyard house, and we'll get our drunk party at that cool bar on the edge of the Eire."
"No."
"What's your deal with Portland?"
"I'll tell you when we get there." I said, humming.
"What's with all the mystery?" Santana was restless.
"I won't spoil the surprise." I hummed again.
"I hate you, Rachel Barbra Berry-Lopez." She crossed her arms. "You're the most annoying person in the world. How can that be humanly possible? What's wrong with you telling me why you dragged me to the end of the world?"
"As far as I remember, you liked the end of the world once."
"Yeah, I was about eight..."
"Nine." I quickly corrected.
"Whatever. I was a child and we traveled in the summer. Not in an intense winter on the eve of my 21st birthday!"
"It's a milder winter there than in New York. And there are volcanoes."
"I hope this trip is really important, Rachel Barbra Berry-Lopez. For the sake of your physical integrity!"
I could answer by saying her full name too, but Santana hated her middle name, and that could make her even more nervous. It was good enough that she had decided to accompany me without me having to dope her or anything.
We arrived at the airport in good time, benefiting from a traffic jam for the time of day. I could have asked Quinn or Johnny to drive us and then allowed her to keep the car. In the end, I thought it best not to. Quinn was committed to taking the summer course at college that would guarantee her the minimum credits for graduation. She also had her internship, which wouldn't give her a vacation. I didn't want to get in the way. Johnny was on a different wavelength and seemed more distant from us.
Our flight was uneventful. Santana spent almost the entire journey with her eyes glued to her iPad. It wasn't because of Rock'n'Pano: she tried out a video game developed by Andrew in partnership with another guy. It was one of those silly Angry Birds games for cell phones, just to pass the time. She seemed entertained by it. She played other things and watched some short videos. In short, my sister did anything not to talk to me. I could only resign myself, and read some of the scripts that Josh had given me to read, and some opportunities to audition in some interesting projects. I had a reasonable script for an indie film to be shot between Los Angeles and Mexico, another for a supporting role in a film to be shot in North Carolina, a short film full of nudity and sex to be shot in California.
Some directors think that exploring the human body is making art in cinema. But there was a huge gap between making a soft porn and an art film exploring the subject. I wouldn't accept doing that. I chose the movie to be shot between Los Angeles and Mexico, which was partly in Spanish. I had already spoken to the producers and the director. All that remained was to finalize the figures and then, in August, I would start shooting in Los Angeles almost immediately after the second season of Slings and Arrows. I was both excited and afraid.
I heard the seatbelt sign and it was said to turn off their electronic devices. We landed well despite the cold and some snow. We immediately went to the hotel near the airport. It wasn't very luxurious, which didn't matter to me because we wouldn't need more than a night's accommodation.
"Now that we've landed, can you tell me about it?" My sister insisted. "Come to Portland and stay in a cheap hotel?"
"No!" I said firmly after we'd left our bags in our room. "Let's go to that car rental place near this hotel. I want to do it soon so we can get on the road tomorrow. The sooner, the better."
"It's our anniversary tomorrow, Ray! 21 years old! At least there should be some nice pubs here in Portland for us to get drunk."
"You can get drunk today. But know that you'll be driving tomorrow!"
"Drive to where?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow."
Santana grumbled for the umpteenth time. My plans were specific, even timed. We rented a nice car, went to a market to buy some takeaway food, mineral water, juice in a carton, cold sandwiches, things like instant noodles and cookies, and went back to the hotel. We had dinner and Santana didn't go out for a drink after all. My sister kept me company in the room. Or nearly so. Her mood was terrible, and she spent the whole time in front of the television, mumbling things I couldn't hear clearly while I packed our things and thought positively. It was all going to be worth it.
...
December 19, 2015
(Rachel)
The alarm of my cell phone woke me up at half past five in the morning. It was still dark, but it was the old habit I inherited from my parents whenever we got ready to travel by car. Get up early, before the sun rises, put our things in the car, have breakfast and hit the road. As a botanist, Dad loved the outdoors, nature, forests and car journeys. Santana loved it too, but that didn't mean she grumbled any less. I confess that I was more like papi in this respect: I liked flying and comfort. Santana and Dad had always been the adventurous ones in the family, but that would have to change a little. I jumped on top of my sister in the next bed and started shaking her.
"Hey Santy, guess what? Today's our anniversary!" The cold soon drove me under her blankets. I took the opportunity to hug her tightly.
"I want to kill you!" Santana muttered loudly. Sometimes I marveled at how many times she wanted to end my life. If I were to take her wish literally, I'd have to have more lives than a cat to meet the demand to die so many times through Santana's mouth.
"Kill me later. We have to get ready to hit the road." I gave her a peck on the lips and stood up, pulling all the covers with me. I heard a muffled scream from the pillow of horror.
"Why do you have to be like this? If only it were a sunny, warm day outside to enjoy it!" She squawked. "But no! It's fucking Oregon, with its fucking reforested pine forests during the fucking winter."
"Officially it's still fall." I had to hold back my laughter when I heard the scream of agony.
I was the first to use the bathroom. Santana was still curled up on the bed, struggling to wake up. It took us almost an hour because of my sister's stubbornness (I never thought I'd hear that from her), and another half hour to pack our things and close the room before hitting the road. We stopped by the Starbucks we saw along the way, bought two coffees and got on the highway for good.
"Where to, Ray?" Santana said as she took a sip of her coffee. "Now you have to tell me, since I'm behind the wheel."
"Crater Lake." I consulted the road maps on my cell phone. "We take the number 5 and go down to Eugene and from there take the detour to the secondary highway number 58. There's no mystery."
"What's so special about Crater Lake? I mean, we were there when we were about 10?"
"When we were nine, Santana. Is this a tantrum or do you really not remember when we were here?"
"One of the few things I remember from that trip was that you almost drowned in the river and Dad had to pull you out of the water. That's when you developed this phobia. A fear that you haven't tried to treat to this day, which is very bad for you. But apart from your near-death, I see no reason why Crater Lake should possibly be spiritual. Much less is it a good place to celebrate a 21st birthday."
"I'll explain when we get there. But it's important for both of us. Trust me!"
Highway 5 was mostly straight, and in just over two hours we arrived in Eugene, the birthplace of Nike. But we didn't stop to do any sightseeing. Our goal was to find a restroom and have a quick snack. There was a market selling beautiful peaches. I bought a few and took one to taste. The rest I put in the small cooler with the juices, sandwiches and water. We took the road again from Eugene to Crater Lake. I didn't remember the road itself, but because of the mountainous area I took some medicine to prevent motion sickness. Santana was driving, but she couldn't take one because that kind of medicine makes you sleepy. Then, for some strange reason, the drivers felt it less than the passengers.
It was Santana's music selection that reigned supreme on the car stereo (a requirement of hers). For some reason, she was going through a phase where she only listened to the classics like the Beatles, Stones, Birds, The Allman Brothers Band and Jimi Hendrix. I can say that the soundtrack to our trip was rock'n'roll of the best kind. Two more hours of driving and we arrived at the Crater Lake camping resort, exactly the same one we had been to when we were kids. If looks could kill anyone, Santana would have murdered me countless times. But I had my reasons for choosing that rustic resort.
"Good afternoon." I said to the receptionist as soon as I entered the resort's headquarters. It was the largest building in the area and seemed to have undergone a recent renovation. The entrance hall and reception looked brand new, and there were a few facilities there, such as toilets, a games room and a place to rent tracking equipment for summer and winter seasons. The enlarged restaurant was in a separate wing. The upper floors had apartments in case anyone didn't fancy chalets, I think. The place was empty, but the winter sports season had only just begun. "I'm Rachel Berry-Lopez. I have a reservation for a chalet."
"Of course!" The girl consulted her computer. "Berry-Lopez, you've booked a chalet with two beds for two nights."
"Correct." I showed my documents, checked in and paid the room rate.
Another girl accompanied me and asked Santana to put the car in the correct position for our chalet's garage. Once this was done, she quickly showed me the facilities. It was a comfortable place with two beds, as per the booking request, a clean and airy bathroom, television, internet signal, heaters, fireplace and kitchen space.
"As stated in the contract, we offer breakfast to our guests from 7am to 10am. The restaurant is open for business after this time to serve a la carte dishes, and we offer our guests a 50% discount on the bill. Just show your room card. I must remind you that activities on the river are suspended during the winter, and the hike to Crater Lake is not recommended after three in the afternoon at this time of year. Any equipment you need to do the activities available can be rented at the main office. Our guides are also available every morning. Just call reception to make an appointment, or show up at the main office by 9am."
"Thank you."
"Not to be inconvenient, but can I ask you a question?" The attendant's expression changed after the obligatory chatter.
"Of course!"
"Aren't you Kath from 'Slings and Arrows'?" I nodded positively. "I thought the show was fabulous. I was thrilled when I heard it was getting a second season."
"Thank you so much. I'm honored that you liked the story."
"Can I have your autograph and a photo?" She looked behind me, catching my eye. Santana was practically growling. "... Is she all right?"
"Don't mind my sister. That's just the way she is." I said as I signed. We took a photo on her cell phones and she left us alone afterwards.
I liked the space. I couldn't remember the details of the chalet we stayed in last time, but it was one of the larger ones for complete families. There was no reason for me to rent one of those when there would only be me and Santana. We took the smaller chalet, one of those that used to be occupied by couples. That's why they were cozier.
"I can't believe I'm going to spend my 21st birthday in a chalet in the middle of nowhere with you!" Santana shouted in frustration and anger. I didn't care. I had things to do.
I grabbed a cold coat and went back to reception. I asked to borrow a shovel. I think the woman was afraid I wanted to kill Santana and bury her body there. That's why she hesitated. But I used my powers of persuasion, after all, she was an actress who appeared on HBO, and she brought me the tool asking for maximum discretion because there were other guests, I understood, and they might find it strange. So I went back to the chalet and practically dragged Santana along with me.
"Are you going to plant pine trees, by any chance?" Santana taunted me as we entered the small forest dressed for winter, shovel and flashlight in hand. Luckily, despite the improvements, the resort had preserved many things, including that part of the forest that interested me in particular.
"You'll see. Now help me find a tree with a crooked trunk that resembles the number 4."
"You say that one over there?" Santana pointed to exactly the tree I was looking for.
I celebrated. I would have been heartbroken if I had gone there and then learned that the tree had been cut down and the site occupied by buildings. But the space itself was almost exactly as I remembered it. Now I could fulfill my mission and my promise.
Papi, Dad, Santana and I took a summer vacation trip to Oregon when Santana and I were nine years old. We went from Astoria, the city where the movie 'The Goonies' was filmed, to Crater Lake, seeing all the sights the state could offer: from the mountains to the desert. We spent 15 days driving around Oregon, sleeping in different towns, seeing everything from the desert to the volcanoes with their snow-capped peaks.
I remember that Dad wanted to do something different and suggested a trip of this nature to some state in our own country. He must have won some kind of dispute against papi, because old Juan Lopez likes comfort, and is a bit averse to very elaborate trips, full of transfers. I confess that I was very similar to my father in this respect, and in my tastes, but when you're a child, adventurous trips are perfect. I remember the initial plan was to visit the Grand Canyon. I don't know why it didn't work out and we ended up traveling through Oregon.
I was never into river sports, hiking and all that nature stuff. Dad and Santana loved going into tracking and all things adventurous. As a botanist, Dad loved camping, cycling on trails and swimming in rivers. I joined in, because the whole family stayed together for most of the activities. Dad would guide us on our hikes and tell us about the interesting plant species he found along the way. Sometimes he would play games with my sister and me to see who knew the most about nature. Santana usually won, of course.
I didn't mind that, because it was a relationship that they had that I never cared about or felt jealous about. I preferred to be in the company of Papi, the doctor. Bourgeois as he always was, Papi enjoyed a good hotel with a well-equipped gym. If Santana calls me prissy today, let's just say it's also my father's fault. Santana followed Dad around a lot when she was a kid. I used to follow papi. It's interesting how genetics has nothing to do with affinities.
That year, we crossed Oregon between small chalets and campsites. When we reached Crater Lake, our last stop in the state, we stayed at this very resort, which at the time didn't have as good a structure or as comfortable as the one we have now. The next day, Santana and Dad eagerly went into the river to play. It was summer and very hot, but the waters of Oregon's rivers were always cold because of the melting of the mountains. I wanted to follow them, but I was still learning to swim at the time. I was reluctantly going to swimming lessons. While Santana crossed the pool several times like a fish, I always struggled. Add that to the fact that children teased me during class because I was small and fearful. Water was never my favorite environment, but I tried to learn how to swim.
So, that day, I wanted to follow Dad and Santana. Inattentively, I slipped on the muddy rock and fell into one of the many pools formed by the river. I wasn't prepared for that situation, I remember the cold water, my brain seemed to stop and I couldn't react. I still remember the sensation of struggling, of drowning, and only seeing the bright reflection of the sun. Until I was pulled out by someone: Dad saved me and pulled me out of the water. Papi did mouth-to-mouth breathing until I expelled the water I had swallowed.
My parents had a nasty fight that day, and I thought it was because of me. Now that I'm older and aware of the history of their relationship, I think my accident was a catalyst for a fight, not the reason itself. But at the time, I was just a child and didn't know how to weigh these things up. It was horrible. I cried for the rest of the day with so much shame. At the end of the afternoon, Dad had an idea to cheer me up. That we were going to bury a time capsule with treasures in it. So we took our belongings and stole some from papi and Santana. We put everything in a plastic bag, sealed it very well and put it all in a plastic box like the kind used for fishing. We packed the box itself in a garbage bag and sealed it as tightly as possible. We entered the forest like great adventurers and found a peculiar tree in the shape of the number 4. It was perfect for marking the location of our capsule. Dad drew the map and said that I was the guardian of the treasure. And I keep that map in my wallet to this day.
"So that's what you're looking for?" Santana said after I explained while trying to dig out the approximate location. "A box buried with old things?"
"Dad said that time capsule should be dug up when I turned 21. Because it would be great to have my first moment as an adult at an older age, and to be able to dig up a time capsule to remember the good things. I could take the box and think about how much I'd grown up. Dad said it was something we would do together, that it was a promise. And if he couldn't make it for whatever reason, then I should come along with my Prince Charming to dig up the treasures. Since Dad broke his promise and my Prince Charming was actually a princess turned frog, you were next in line. Who else in the world would I want here with me to dig up this treasure, if not my sister? Besides, these are daddy's things, Santy. They concern both of us."
"Dad always told those silly stories about princes and princesses." Santana dried her eyes and picked up the shovel. "You always imagined yourself in castles. I didn't. I always wanted to be the gentleman who fought the dragons." She started digging.
We wasted a bit of time on this part, digging in different places, as I couldn't remember exactly where the capsule was buried. Santana and I took turns handling the shovel. Until, a little over an hour into the search, Santana bumped into an object and started trying to pull it out with her hand. I promptly helped. I couldn't believe it was our time capsule. We pulled out the box. It was there perfectly, still neatly wrapped in the black plastic bag. Santana and I went back to the chalet immediately. It was cold, very dark and starting to snow. There was likely to be a snowstorm that night. Back in the safety and warmth of our shelter with the heaters on full blast, we opened my time capsule and started reminiscing.
"So this is where my X-Files stickers and my CD of Beatles classics with the Snoopy gang end up?" Santana smiled broadly. "I loved that CD. Does it still play?" She inserted the media into the computer and to our surprise, yes, the CD still worked. We celebrated.
We let Yellow Submarine, sung by children in a slightly off-key way, using toy instruments, take over the atmosphere. I didn't remember that record, but you can understand why we always had a thing for the classics: Dad liked musicals, pop and electronic, but papi was into rock and taught us to appreciate the Beatles and other great bands.
In the capsule there was a small teddy bear I called Pibu, a drawing I had made of my family: my two dads, Santana and me. There was papi's keychain with the mouth of the Stones, the spearhead-shaped stone that Dad had found on that same trip, the handmade bracelet that Dad liked to wear, Santana's magic cube (she could solve it, I couldn't), and my Empire State keychain that Dad had given me the first time he took me to New York. He said I would conquer that city. There was also a handwritten letter from Dad. We opened it carefully, as the paper was a bit funky and old.
"Hello, hello Rachel from the future!
Over!
If you're reading this letter, in the year 2015 or so on, it's because you've turned 21 and have probably become an exuberant woman. Perhaps you're even accompanied by your musical prince charming, your soul mate. I couldn't be sadder or happier about this. Sad because it means that my little princess has grown up, contrary to the fervent prayers I make every night for you to be eternal child. You and your sister. And I'm happy because you must be thrilled to be living a happy life, maybe you're about to achieve all your dreams, and that someone good might be by your side, supporting you. Hiram here from the past wishes that this prince treats you with all his love. One as big as mine. You deserve nothing less.
Take this opportunity to send greetings from this Hiram of the past to the other people I love most in the future: Santana and Juan. Santana must be grown up, beautiful. Perhaps an intrepid adventurer of the seven seas. Didn't she want to be a pirate? Or would she be a dragon slayer? Oh, this old man's mind doesn't work like it used to. Or is it because your sister always wants to go on different adventures every week? May G-d keep that good spirit in your sister. What about your papi? Juan should be the hospital's chief surgeon by 2015. And me, well, I imagine the Hiram of the future as a silly old man, doing the bidding of the people he loves the most and preparing myself psychologically to spoil all my grandchildren. Yes, because the Hiram of the past knows very well that the Hiram of the future is going to spoil them a lot and feel so proud to see his family grown up happy and strong.
I'll take this opportunity to check a few things I've been thinking about. Rachel from the future, please help Hiram from the future put a right sign in front of the items. He can't see very well at this point and I bet he'll be wearing glasses with thick lenses:
- Rachel has learned to swim;
- Santana learned that the toaster wasn't made to melt cheese;
- Rachel learned the rules of football;
- Santana didn't get lost on an expedition through the Amazon rainforest;
- Rachel was convinced that Chicago is better than Funny Girl;
- Santana has learned to like Liza Minelli and musicals;
- Rachel is happy;
- Santana is happy;
- Our family is united, despite all the setbacks that always happen.
You're probably wondering why I haven't mentioned Broadway. It's just that, for me, what matters most is your happiness, no matter where or what you're doing at the moment. Get on with life, my princess. Don't be afraid to face that horizon. Life is precious and interesting even in times of difficulty. You may disagree with your old man at some point. But I insist: trust yourself even when life gives you a few kicks. Over time you'll realize that everything that happens will only serve to make you an even better person. Just don't ever forget to open that wonderful smile I love (and never deprive us of your laugh). The world is more beautiful when you smile.
May G-d protect all your paths.
I love you with all my heart and soul.
Hiram Joel Berry
Over, out!
Oregon, Crater Lake, July 16, 2004"
My vision was blurred and I was sobbing so hard. Santana hugged me and snuggled me against her body. We stayed there quietly.
...
December 20, 2015
(Santana)
I don't remember many details from the first time I came here. Dad said it was considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, and also one of the most unusual. Carter Lake was the deepest volcanic lake in the United States. It has no external connections. In other words, it neither feeds nor is fed by rivers and other lakes. Its water comes exclusively from melting snow and annual rainfall. And Oregon gets a lot of rain! Even so, it is one of the clearest waters in the world. Dad was the one who liked to say this information enthusiastically. Of Crater Lake, and of many other natural landscapes that he found fascinating for some reason.
When Rachel dragged me here without telling me why, I was furious. My plan was to have an amazing 21st birthday party with all my friends. At first, I thought I'd celebrate in Vegas, but then I had an indie phase and thought I'd have fun at a Franz Ferdinad concert (the bands changed over time), and then we'd end the night at a jazz club to drink and dance until dawn. Jazz clubs were a luxury as far as I was concerned. However, I spent my birthday in a lost chalet in Oregon with Rachel. You know what? It was the best birthday gift she could have given me. I think I've re-read Dad's letter about 50 times. And even though it's not directly addressed to me, I feel a lump in my throat every time I read it. The message was for Rachel, and yet dad didn't let the opportunity pass to tell me that he loved me and only wanted me to be happy.
I looked towards the car near the viewpoint. Rachel was still inside doing I don't know what. I wasn't going after her. The grandeur of the lake captured my attention once again. I thought of Rachel. We've both been through some rough patches this year, both professional and personal. Mr. Weiz's soap opera was only a bigger ordeal than the beating I took from Brittany. My sister had to overcome herself in many ways and yet she never stopped looking out for the people she loved, especially me. Nor did I stop looking out for her, in my own way. It was like Dad told me a few years ago: it was in our nature to take care of each other, no matter how big our differences were at the time. Yes, Dad, wherever you are (and I'm certainly you're looking out for us), I try to fulfill what I promised you. I will never let you down.
"Beer?" Rachel offered me a can. "We should take this opportunity and renew the beer pact."
"How exciting!" I rolled my eyes as I opened it. "I propose a toast." Rachel looked at me intrigued. "To Dad. That old Berry must be having a lot of laughs up there in heaven at our expense."
"I extend this toast to us, the Berry-Lopez sisters. Our partnership and complicity is forever, no matter what happens in our lives. I'd also like to toast you, Santy, who has been my rock these last few years."
"You bet! But you also were my rock, Ray. I wouldn't have been able to go through anything we've been through, about all the secrets being revealed, if you hadn't been by my side."
"Here's to us?"
"Here's to us." I smiled and toasted.
I was still very emotional and tears welled up in my eyes for the umpteenth time since we arrived at Crater Lake. Rachel kissed my cheek and hugged me. Then I shook my head, lifted the can and took another sip of the liquid. The beer was delicious. I looked at the label and realized that it was the product of one of the dozens of small craft breweries that existed in Oregon.
"You should take Dad's letter to show papi." Rachel suggested. "Despite what happened with them, I think he'd like to read it."
"But it's your letter. Don't you think you should show it to him in person?"
"You're the one spending Christmas in Lima, Santy. You should take the letter and also my hug to Papi, Shelby and Beth, and to all of our family. Think how happy Zaide and Bubbee will be."
"Meanwhile, you bury yourself in New York." I wasn't happy to hear that she wouldn't be spending the holidays with us because of professional commitments.
"I'm swamped with work to do."
"Quinn will be in town too..."
"I know. She's already admitted that she has demons to face and I promised to help her."
"Yes, I know. I've made an appointment for her with Dr. Merkulova. The first appointment is on me. I just hope she goes."
"Anyway, we'll see each other in the new year."
"That's if I'm not traveling with Papi, Sheby and Beth."
"You're not going to do that and leave me alone in New York."
"They're going to Florida. It's warmer there."
"Traitor. I thought you loved me."
"I love you, but not to the point of freezing with you."
"Your amorousness shocks me."
"Well, you can always call Quinn to keep you company, since you haven't closed yourself off to the possibility of getting back with her."
"Quinn and I are in the friendzone."
"You're very complicated."
"Look who's talking! What about you and Johnny?"
"Are you crazy?" I was categorical. "How can something that didn't even have a chance to start be complicated? Besides, our friendship has always been simple and natural. Unlike you and Quinn."
"Bingo. Still, Santy, if you ask me: don't give up so easily and so soon. If there's a chance that he's your person, your half, instead of Brittany, don't give up."
"But he's with another woman now, and I don't feel like playing the home wrecker this time."
"The thing is, my sixth sense tells me it's just a fling. That he's waiting for a sign from you, a real one, to let go of whoever he's with to try a relationship with you."
"Really?" I scoffed. "Your sixth sense tells you all this?"
"You still underestimate me after all these years and all the times I've been right? We have our invisible umbilical cord."
Rachel had a valid point. My sister's intuition was very sharp, especially when it came to things about the people she loved. About my stuff then... it sucked to admit that she used to be right about a lot of the things about me.
"I'll keep that in mind." I put my arm around my sister's shoulders and pulled her closer to me. "Shall we get on the road? I have a flight to Cleveland, and you need to get back to New York."
"Are you going to take the letter?"
"I can take it. I'll definitely show it to Zaide and Bubbee."
"Then you bring it back. It's my letter and I wouldn't be crazy to leave you with my things! That letter is going in a safe."
We laughed and hugged once more, this time really, really tightly.
"I love you Ray! Thank you for bringing me the best birthday party ever." I whispered in my sister's ear.
We took the road back. The snow was falling softly on the windshield and "In My Life" by the Beatles was playing on the radio. Goodbye Crater Lake. Goodbye youth, it had been quite a journey for us to go from teenagers to young women. In a way, I still felt like a child, but I wasn't the same person who left Lima. Rachel wasn't the same either. I think that's part of growing up. Sometimes it's pleasurable, sometimes it's painful and you walk through smooth waters and currents because you just have to keep going. Looking back, the journey so far, up to my 21st birthday, has been incredible and I can't wait for what's to come.
Hello adulthood. Now it's here for real.
"Though I know I'll never lose affection. For people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life I'll love you more. In my life I'll love you more."
THE END.