Mallory
Belting out the lyrics to Pink’s U + UR Hand, we dance as best we can in our seats, hand gestures and all, as we drive down I-35 to San Antonio. When a shiny black truck passes, I see the driver staring at us and lean over Kristen to blow him a kiss. A smile graces his lips and he waves before pulling away from us.
When we pass the sign for Buc-ee’s, I let out a squeal.
“Oh, my gosh! We have to stop at Buc-ee’s.”
“What’s that?” Kris asks, concentrating on the road.
“Holy cow! Are you telling you’ve never been?”
“No, what is it?”
“It’s a treasure trove of all things imaginable.”
“Say what?”
“It’s a place that has to be seen to be understood.”
Glancing over at Kristen, she gives me a look as if to say, What the hell?
“Trust me. It’s gonna blow your mind.”
In the backseat, Camryn makes an exploding sound, which causes me to crack up. It even gets a chuckle out of Kristen. The next song comes on and we’re back to singing and dancing until we see our exit.
Pulling into the super convenience store, the sheer amount of gas pumps is staggering. When the sliding doors open, Kristen’s reaction is just what I expect from a newbie: jaw dropping awe.
“Holy shit, you weren’t joking! This place is freaking huge.”
“Yep, come on. We have some shopping to do!”
“Don’t forget the bathroom,” Camryn chimes in from behind us. “Which is where I am heading. Excuse me.”
“When ya gotta go, you gotta go.” I laugh as she breaks in between us, red hair flying behind her.
I lead Kris over to the area that sells all the Buc-ee Beaver souvenirs. As we’re sorting through the different shirts, she brings up what I’ve been dodging.
“How are things with Todd?” she asks while looking over a bright, tie dyed t-shirt with a depiction of a cartoon beaver wearing a red hat on the front.
Refolding the blue one I’m holding, I avoid looking at her.
“I finally answered him with a text and told him he needed to back off, and if he wanted me to even consider moving, I needed time to think.”
“And have you?”
“What? Been thinking?” At her nod, I continue. “I have, and if Dad wasn’t by himself, I might take a chance. It doesn’t mean I’d have to move in with him or marry him or anything like that.”
“What about us?”
“It’s not that far. We could get together a few times a year. Y’all could come up and ski.”
As I finish, Kris doesn’t say anything, just stares intently at the shirt before laying it down on the display table.
“What are you thinking, Kris?”
“Truthfully? I think it’s too soon. You haven’t been dating that long. You moving hundreds of miles away with a guy you’re not serious about makes me nervous. How well do you really know him?” Her hand placed on my arm has me looking over at her. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
With a small smile on my face, I reply, “You’re always looking out for me.”
“What are friends for?”
“Oh, that’s cute,” Camryn says as she walks up behind us, looking over my shoulder at the shirt clutched in my hands.
“Yeah, it is. I’m getting this one. Y’all gonna get something? Because I am ready for snacks!”
“Beaver Nuggets, ho!” Camryn hollers out, like she’s leading a battle charge. Laughing, I follow her to the other end of the store as Kristen calls out, “What the hell are Beaver Nuggets?”
“Holy shit, will you get a load of this place!” At Kristen’s outburst, I look up and my jaw drops. Dad didn’t just get us a hotel room, he got us a freaking suite. The room is massive, with a sitting room, two separate bedrooms, and a balcony overlooking the Riverwalk.
“I’m checking out the bedroom!” Camryn calls out before taking off toward one of the rooms, dragging her suitcase behind her.
Spotting an envelope on the table, I walk across the plush carpet. My name is printed on the front, so I open the stiff white paper. Pulling out the sheet inside, I read.
Dear Mallory, Kristen, and Camryn.
I am so proud of you girls. Your hard work and dedication have paid off. There is no doubt in my mind you three will be the best nurses in the state of Texas. Enclosed are a few things I thought you would enjoy this weekend. Have fun and be safe.
Love, Dad
When I’d opened the paper, several other pieces floated to the top of the table. Maybe my dad does spoil me rotten. He paid for a spa day, Sea World, and included a prepaid card for us to eat on. When I show the girls what he’s done and the letter he wrote, they scream with excitement and jump around.
As Katy Perry croons out Hot N Cold, we primp for our night out, makeup strewn all over the counters, clothes covering the bed. The sun dress I decided to wear is lightweight with little spaghetti straps. After all, it’s summer in south Texas. In other words—hot.
After the final check in the mirror, we head over the bridge to my favorite Mexican restaurant, where the fajitas are sizzling and margaritas are the coldest in town.
“What’s the plan for tomorrow?” Kristen asks after taking a sip of her drink.
“Our appointment at the spa is at ten. It says we’re booked for four hours of pampering and relaxation.”
“That is going to be heavenly.” Camryn sighs, chin resting on one hand as she swirls her straw around her glass.
“But first, I want to hit this place I heard about. Two words. Jumbo cinnamon rolls.”
“Isn’t that three words?”
It takes me a minute to realize, that yes, it is indeed three words.
“Maybe I need to back off this margarita until the rest of dinner gets here.” Pushing the heavy glass away, I nearly cause it to tip over on the table.
Camryn bursts out laughing and I’m left wondering if I’m the only one who needs to slow down. Maybe two are enough for the night. The thought barely crosses my mind before the sizzling platters reach the side of the table. A waterfall begins in my mouth at the heavenly aroma of grilled beef, onions, and bell peppers. Not another word is spoken as we eat the delicious combination. Two more margaritas later and an order of cinnamon-sugary, melt-in-your-mouth sopapillas, the food coma sets in and we decide walking back to the hotel to recharge for tomorrow sounds like a great idea.
Reclining back in the chair, dainty hands massage the lotion into my face while my fingers soak in the warm, soapy water. Strong fingers manipulate my feet before taking a cheese grater looking thing to my heels. On either side of me, Kristen and Camryn are enjoying the same pampering, except every time the man touches Camryn’s feet, she starts laughing and pulling her foot back, much to the man’s chagrin. I didn’t realize someone could be so ticklish.
“How’s the thinking coming along, Mallory?” Kristen asks.
“I’ve been doing my best not to think,” I muttered, irritated she brought it up.
“That’s not helping matters. Has he been bothering you anymore?”
“Surprisingly, no. He hasn’t called or texted since I told him I needed time.”
“It’s good he’s giving you space to work this out,” Camryn chimes in from the other side.
“But you need to decide, not leave him swinging in the breeze.”
“That’s true.”
“What does your gut say?”
“Always go with your gut.”
“My gut is telling me it’s too soon.”
“There’s your answer then.”
“But what if I’m just letting my fear rule me?”
“Fear of what?” inquires Camryn. “I can’t see you fearing anything.”
“We all have fears, Cam.” I sigh, and rest back, closing my eyes, effectively ending the conversation.
Ringing from beside me stirs me from my slumber. Blearily, I open my eyes, the room black except the glow of my cellphone.
“Make it stop.” Camryn’s voice is muffled, her face buried in the pillow.
Fumbling, I reach for the phone, my hand slapping the table before landing on it. The ringing stops as soon as I pick it up, and I fumble with the screen, trying to figure out who the hell is calling me at three in the morning.
Unavailable.
Just as I put the phone back down, the ringing cuts into the quiet once more.
“Hello?”
“Is this Mallory Stephens?”
“Um...yeah, that’s me.”
“This is Officer Scott Williams with the Dallas Police Department.”
Did I hear him right? “I’m sorry, did you say the DPD?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m calling to inform you your father was involved in a hit and run tonight. You’re listed as the next of kin.”
“Oh my god.” My heart pounds, feeling like it’s about to beat out of my chest. “Is he okay?”
“I’m not sure of his current condition. He was transported to Baylor Medical Center.”
“Oh shit.” Scrambling out of bed, I try to find my clothes in the dark room. “I’m in San Antonio right now. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
“I know you’re upset, so please drive carefully.”
Not even waiting for him to finish speaking, I toss the phone on the bed. The bedside light clicks on, and I turn to see Camryn sitting up, yawning.
“What’s going on? Why is the DPD calling you?”
“Dad was in an accident.”
“No! Is he okay?”
“They took him to the hospital. That’s all he said he knew.”
“Get dressed. I’ll go wake Kristen up.”
“What if…” I can’t get anything passed the lump in my throat. The tears pool in my eyes before trailing down my cheeks. Hands on the side of my face force me to look into honey-colored eyes.
“He’s going to be okay. You have to believe that.”
Nodding my head, I realize she’s right. It may be nothing serious. Just a precaution. The officer didn’t say he was care-flighted out.
“Get your stuff together. We’ll get checked out and head home.”
Turning away from me, she hurries out. Throwing on the first clothes I find, I cram everything else into my suitcase.
By the time I’ve gathered everything out of the bathroom, the girls are packed up and waiting at the door.
The ride back to Dallas takes an eternity, my mind focused on one thing only: what will I do if something happens to him? I’ve already lost my mom; I can’t lose him too. The sun is just clearing the surrounding buildings when we pull into the emergency room parking lot. The car doesn’t even come to a complete stop before I pull the handle to open the door. Running to the entrance, I nearly crash into the automatic sliding doors before they open enough for me to slide through. The elderly lady sitting in the chair behind the partition nearly falls off her rolling stool when I bang on the glass.
“My father Joseph Stephens. He was brought in earlier. MVA. Where is he?”
“Wha...hold on a second and let me see if I can locate him.” After typing something into the computer, she looks back up at me with tired blue eyes. “It says he’s in surgery right now. Second floor. Take the elevators to the right and hit two. It’ll take you right there.”
“Does it say anything about his condition?”
With pity in her eyes, she replies, “Critical, honey. I’ll send up a prayer.”
Before she finishes her sentence, I’m headed to bank of elevators, sending up prayers of my own.
“Maybe I should ask again if there’s been any update?” I ask, eyeing the blonde manning the desk. Striding in her direction, Kristen steps in front of me, placing her hands on my shoulders.
“Mal, you just asked ten minutes ago, and they didn’t know anything. She said she would let you know as soon as she does.”
“Why don’t they know anything?” My eyes search her face for answers I know she doesn’t have.
“They’re busy doing what they need to do.”
The snick of the automatic doors separating the waiting room from the restricted area of surgery catch my attention. My stomach knots as a barrel chested, mountain of a man walks through, pulling the cap from his head. Dark eyes scan the room before locking in on mine.
He seems to walk toward us in slow motion, and the dread I feel increases with each step.
“Miss Stephens?”
The words lodge in my throat, and I can only nod.
“I’m Dr. Jack Sanders. I’m one of the surgeons who has been working on your dad. Can we sit down?”
Leading us over to an alcove with a small couch, we sit.
“Your father came in with extensive injuries from the accident. He sustained massive blood loss. His heart stopped twice during surgery. The second time, we were unable to revive him. We did everything in our power to save him, but he was too grievously injured. I’m very sorry, but we were unable to save him.”
Numbly, I sit there, unable to speak, just staring at my clasped hands. Did he really just say what I think he said? Someone says something, but I can’t focus on the words. Pictures flash through my mind of me and my dad like an old home movie.
Kneeling in front of me, Kristen places her hands on my knees.
“Mal?”
Gut wrenching sobs break free, echoing throughout the space. Arms wrap around me to keep me from falling to the floor. He can’t be gone. It can’t be real.
“We’re here, babe. Let it out.”
Standing in the pouring down rain, my eyes follow the lowering of the casket as I toss the white rose on top.
“You don’t have to do this, you know,” Camryn says from beside me.
“It’s for the best. I need a fresh start. There are too many memories of him here for me.”
“Just remember you can always come back. We may not be blood, but we’re family. We love you, and we’ll always be here if you need us.”
“I know. I love you guys, too. But this is for the best.”
“Mallory, it’s time to go,” Todd says from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I give him a nod to let him know I heard him.
With one last hug to each of my girls, I walk toward Todd—toward my future—my tears mingling with the rain on my face.
Goodbye, Daddy. I’ll love you always.