Chapter 7: Texas Homecoming
As they rode the train taking them to Houston, Troy realized that for him, it wasn't exactly a homecoming. The ranch where he had grown up was sold and his mom had remarried. She and Hank had spent months traveling the States in a camper before settling into their new home on the Gulf Coast. It would be his first visit instead of an actual homecoming. He was pleased he would be seeing his mother after almost five years and it would be good to congratulate his new stepfather, Hank, formerly their lead ranch hand.
He associated mountains with his home, but the Texas landscape was much different. He began to doubt the decision they had all made to visit one another's families. He was heading into unknown territory and bringing his friends with him. It would be as much a surprise to him as it was to them.
They had been graciously welcomed and entertained by the Moffitts, Hitchcocks and Pettigrews. It had been easy for them, they were on their home turf. This would be so different. He had no idea what to expect. There would be no horses to ride across the range or mountains to explore. He was having a bad feeling about everything.
Hitch had been dozing in the seat next to him and he slowly woke and yawned widely. He put on his glasses and looked sideways at Troy. Something was his former Sergeant's mind. It was funny how they could all tell when something was on the other's mind. They had been together so long and through so many intense situations that it was second nature.
"What you stewing about?" Hitch asked quietly.
"I do not stew," Troy replied in mock indignation.
"Right," Hitch was disbelieving.
"Okay, maybe a little," Troy admitted and thought for a few moments before continuing. "Maybe I'm overthinking things but I'm just not sure about this trip."
"Why?" Hitch was concerned.
"Visiting your family and Moffitt's and Tully's was great. Everything was so relaxed and easy. It was where you all grew up and you were comfortable in the surroundings," Troy stumbled to explain. "This isn't my childhood home we're going to. I've never seen it before. Basically, it's a time to see my mom again and even that's different cause she's married now to Hank. It just doesn't seem like coming home."
"First off, you're not quite correct when you thought everything was so relaxed when you visited with my family." Hitch admitted. "I was nervous, even scared that you guys would see how I had grown up and think differently of me—so much so that you wouldn't want to be my friends anymore."
"Why?" Troy was confused. "You mean because your family has money? We've always known you came from a wealthy background."
"But you didn't know how wealthy," Hitch continued, "and I know from experience how money and my Father's reputation in business, can make a huge difference in how people perceive who I am."
"That's nuts, Hitch," Troy was firm, "did you really think it would matter to us? We never cared about how rich your father might be. We cared that you did your job, and we could trust you with our lives, which we did repeatedly, and you never let us down. The fact that you were a great guy was a bonus."
"I know that in my heart, but my brain kept tripping me up," Hitch confessed. "I was also afraid my father would present you with some way over the top gift to thank you for making sure I got home safely. When I realized he was presenting me with a gift, my stomach tied in knots. I didn't want or need a gift, just being home was enough. Now, when it turned out to be Bertha and he had brought Olive home for Tully, well, he couldn't have made a better decision," Hitch grinned.
"That was pretty great," Troy returned the grin. "You don't still feel awkward about everything, do you?"
"No," Hitch admitted. "I got over myself pretty quick and realized that nothing can get in the way of the friendships we share. Not even a corny statement like that. So, tell me more about what you're stewing about."
"I think it's the uncertainty of everything," Troy was hesitant. "What makes home, a home? Is it the house, the ranch, the memories of life with my dad? The place we're going to is completely foreign to me. How can I welcome you to my home when it really isn't my home?"
"But your mom will be there and that's who we want to meet and get to know," Hitch assured him. "And that's who you are looking forward to seeing after being apart for so long. I think you should take the stew off the fire and relax. It's going to be fine."
Somehow Hitch's proclamation that all would be well made Troy feel better and he tried to focus on the positive aspects of the trip.
The Rats checked into a hotel in Galveston, and Troy drove the rental car to a nice, tree-lined neighborhood. As he was removing his suitcase, Theodosia Troy Garland came out on the porch to greet them. Hank followed and stood behind her. Troy had barely stepped onto the porch when his mother enveloped him in a bear hug and squeezed him as if she would never let go. When she finally released him, Hank stepped forward and shook Sam's hand.
"Welcome back," Hank said. "It is so good seeing you well and healthy." They went inside and took seats in the living room where they shared a drink and talked for hours. Troy was glad to see some of the furniture from the ranch and made it to the new home and it made everything seem so much more welcoming. There were family photos on the walls, including several of Sam and David growing up and one special picture of the boys and their dad on horseback with the mountains in the background.
The Rats and Mary Ellen arrived the next day and they found plenty to talk about with Troy's mom and stepfather. They explored Galveston together and spent time at the beach swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Theodosia prepared Greek food for them, and they ate until they were stuffed. Mary Ellen learned to make several dishes at Tully's request so she could make them for him in the future.
Troy realized he had stewed about nothing. Having his mom and Hank warmly embrace his friends and himself did make it feel like a homecoming. At this point in his life, he realized that home was where his mom was whether in Colorado or Texas.