Chapter Six: She's Leaving Home

Saturday, October 20, 1990

Sam packed up her belongings and moved into the dorm on Saturday afternoon. The family had held sort of a farewell lunch at the house before loading Tony's Jeep with boxes. Jonathan rode with Sam, while their parents followed. Mona had disappeared after lunch, wishing to avoid both physical labor and an emotional goodbye.

"Sam, I know I don't say things like this very often, but I'm going to miss you being around. You really help distract Mom and Tony from bothering me."

"I'm going to miss you, too, twerp." Sam glanced at the drama unfolding in the rearview mirror.

"Tony, I just can't believe she's all grown up," Angela sobbed.

"Geez, Angela. If you're this torn up about Sam moving out, what are you going to be like when it's Jonathan's turn?"

"I can't believe you're taking this so lightly! Don't you worry about all the things we can't protect her from?"

"She's a smart kid. Pre-engagement aside, she's always made good decisions."

Angela wasn't entirely sure this was true, but she didn't want to break the illusion. She pulled herself together in time for them to reach the loading zone at Sam's dorm.

Between the four of them, unloading was quick work. Tony carried as many boxes as the rest of the family put together. He hugged and kissed Sam goodbye and headed out to the Jeep with Jonathan. Angela lingered behind.

"Thursday, 4:30 PM. I'll meet you at Dr. Greene's office. Bring your overnight bag." Angela squeezed Sam's shoulders. "I'm proud of you for making this decision on your own."

"I couldn't have done it without your support." They embraced for a long moment.

Just outside Sam's dorm, Tony had stopped at the drinking fountain. He wondered who Dr. Greene was and what decision Sam had made.

In the Jeep, Angela turned to Tony and said "I forgot to tell you. I'll be going on a short business trip to Philly next week. Leaving Thursday straight from work, coming home Friday night. And then I have a date with Andy, so I probably won't see you until Saturday." She looked over her shoulder at Jonathan. "You're ok without me for a couple of days, right sweetheart?"

Jonathan shrugged, reluctant to admit even to himself that he had been looking forward to having more of his mother's attention with Sam out of the house. How was he, an only child, still not his mom's favorite? At least he didn't have a younger sibling around to pull focus.

Tony's mind was spinning. He couldn't figure out what Angela was hiding, but it had to do with his daughter. He silently fumed. "Fine, Angela. Go on your business trip. Go on your date. Jonathan and I will do guy things while you're out of our way. Right, pal-o-mine?"

Jonathan cringed. "Sure, Tony." Now he pays attention to me, he thought. He didn't appreciate being held hostage in a jealous tantrum. For all he cared, his mom and Tony could move to Iowa and leave him behind. He hadn't seen his dad in five years, and that was fine. He didn't need any of them.

"Fine! I'll do my own packing."

"Oh, how generous of you!"

Tony pulled into the driveway, and all three went their separate ways, slamming the jeep's doors in frustration.

Angela called Andy from her home office and made arrangements to see him the next day. After the tense exchange with Tony, she needed to blow off some steam, and she was pretty sure Andy would be a willing partner. Was she using him? Sure. But she had a hard time feeling bad about it. They had been dating for several weeks already, and there was good chemistry.