ALEXIS

Alexis always knew today would come. She ran around the house looking for her purse as she grabbed for her wrap-around pants and loosely fit blouse. Some might say she dressed to open, and casual but Alexis was a free spirit. God only knows she had spent enough of her life confined. Running out of her apartment, which was a large country cottage that once used to be the towns maternity house. She was on her way to the hospital. Running across the street to the steps she stopped. Standing at the door she closed her eyes. With great anticipation she could not wait another moment. She reached out to open the door. She walked the hall of the hospital so many times. But for some reason today her feet could not seem to find their way. So many memories, and now she is coming out the other side. She was so overwhelmed! So deep in her thoughts, Alexis was unaware of the man speaking to her. “Do you need some help? You appear to be lost.” Lost! Now that was funny! If anyone knew this hospital, it was certainly her. Looking up barely taking notice, she said, “excuse me.” This stranger had taken hold of her arm. Where he touched her, the skin was burning. Alexis pulled back, as if this strange man was invading her space. “I am a student here I have come to get my final grade.” You have been interning at this hospital? “Yes, and tonight I will be graduating.” “Excuse me” Alexis muttered, and she found herself running down the hall. Alexis wondered why she felt such an urgency, as to run from this stranger. Feeling bothered by his touch. It burned her right through her skin until every nerve and fiber in her body was on edge. He probably thought she was quite rude running off.

Moving out of the city was going to be wonderful. Living on the coast was always a dream of hers. As her mom had taken her to every beach for so many years. She settled in the town of Birch Bay, Washington. It was a small coastal town. Certain to be different from the city of Los Angeles California where she was now living. She rented a small cabin that was going to be perfect for her. She had fallen in love with Birch Bay. She remembered when her mom used to talk about how special the place was. She never knew why. But for some reason this made Alexis feel closer to her mom. Alexis had worked so hard saving every penny for this move. Being hired by Memorial Hospital in Seattle as a rehab specialist.

She finally reached the bulletin board right outside the Dean of Nurse's office. She looked down through the names and found hers. Closing her eyes, she felt a tug on her long blonde hair, that was hanging loosely. Holly was there telling her congratulations. Alexis was jumping up and down and was feeling relieved. Screaming I made it!

Alexis mind started wandering and remembering the stranger that had grabbed her arm. It was not really a "grab,” it was more like a firm grip. But it somehow had touched her in a way as if she knew him. She just put it right back out of her mind. She was leaving in a couple days. With that she remembered everything she had to get done. She grabbed her list to do before tonight’s Graduation. How she hoped her mother would be proud of her. Her mom was a nurse, and they had such a close relationship. She never knew her father, and mom barely spoke of him. I know they loved each other, and she tried to find him for many years. Alexis saw the pain inside her mother’s eyes, so she stopped asking questions. Tears were now flooding her eyes as she remembers all that has happened in her life. The day her mom and her were driving through town they were hit by a drunk driver. Her mother was killed, and Alexis spent a year in the hospital and then rehabilitation. She was only sixteen and was alone with no family. For months she was in a coma and casts on both legs. Waking up was a nightmare. Her mom was killed. She had to learn to walk and talk all over again. She could think but not able to form the words to speak. She suffered a head trauma from the accident. Holly who was her mother’s best friend and the Director of Nurses at the hospital, was with her through everything. She took care of her mother’s funeral and was by her side every day. She could have never made it without her.

Through rehabilitation and then the Nurses Program she was ready for a fresh new start. Some place where she could feel freedom. Her mom spoke of Birch Bay and that she always wanted to go back. Alexis went there the past summer and she had never felt more at home then there. Now she was meeting Holly for lunch. Walking in she was already there. Alexis sat down and took one look at Holly and asked her what was wrong. “Did I not get the Job in Seattle?” Holly said “no, you did.” She further said,” I don’t want you to get upset, but I have kept something of your mothers, and I know she would want you to have it.” She pulled out a little black book and handed it to Alexis. She said, “what is it, you are scaring me.” No honey I do not want you to be afraid. Your mother describes and writes about your father. What his name is and how they met. I did not read it all because you should be the one to read it. Why didn’t you tell me? She said, “Because there didn’t seem to be a right time. You came from intense injuries and then turned your life around and fought for your degree. You were and are amazing.” Holly stood up, “you read it honey and I hope you forgive me for waiting.” Alexis sat the book down and stood up to hug Holly. “Thank you, I could never ask for a better present then this book.” They were both crying now and walked out together. Holly had work to do for the graduation and Alexis had to pick up her clothes, cap and gown and get ready. This day was going to be even better. As much as she wanted to read the little black book of her mother’s she felt like she has lived and waited for this moment. Finishing one life and now starting over on her very own future. Maybe my mom could never get back to this place, of Birch Bay Washington, but she was. In some way mom and her, were connected.

It was now time to celebrate, from all her time spent with such a broken body since the accident. She grew up at that hospital. From hate for the drunk driver that killed her mom and damaged her life. The pain and every day after taught her to be strong. She was now ready to face life whatever it will be. She was on the other side and has accomplished her life's dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She went back to the cafeteria for her graduation. Holly asked to see her after the ceremony. Then there was a ruckus that was happening, it got their attention. She asked Holly what happened? She said, “there was a man that made a large donation to the hospital and was to be the speaker tonight but is not coming.” She assured Alexis that it will all work out fine. She was so thrilled to move the tassel to the other side, and for her it was not an ending, but a new life ahead. Holly walked up to Alexis giving her a hug. Then she handed her an envelope. The person who asked to give this to you, wanted two things. Do not buy a car and here is a first-class plane ticket. Then when you are on the plane open the envelope and read it along with the little black book. She said her good- byes to everyone and took her suitcases and went to the airport. She took a driver, because she could not handle anyone to take her, she would have never stopped crying.

On the plane she opened the envelope and there was a letter. She unfolded the letter and a cashier’s check fell out. It was for $20,000 dollars. Shocked she read the letter, “I ran into you at the hospital door. I did not know your identity then. But I felt your arm, and there was a moment when you looked at me that I saw your mother’s eyes in you. You ran down the hall and I ran out of the building. After all these years I never knew you existed. I spoke to Holly, and she confirmed what I felt at the door when I touched your arm. I was delivering a donation for a wing in your mother’s name. Holly gave me your name and all you had been through. The hospital wanted a special wing for rehabilitation. When I found out who you were, I told Holly I could not come into your life in this way at your graduation. I left her the donation and gave her this envelope for you. Your mom won a grant before she died. She was someone like me that wanted to make a difference. I am a doctor, and I believe you are my daughter. Holly told me that I was right and that your mother tried to find me. But I was across the world for years and unable to be reached. I had no idea that your mother was pregnant and had a child.”

“There is more, this $20,000 was your mothers grant money and you can make the decision where or what you want to do with it. Your Mom and I both said the next time we meet it will be in Birch Bay, Washington. I am a doctor at the hospital you were hired at. No, I had nothing to do with you getting the job. I will be at the airport in Seattle where you will be landing. If you do not want to see me, I will have a car for you. I feel a deep connection with you ever since I touched your arm. Your mom was the only person I have ever loved. I cannot believe you are here in my life.”

Alexis overcome with tears, could not believe the plane was landing. I thought of him since he touched my arm, it was just like my mom had brought us together. Walking down the steps from the plane, I saw him right off. It was not hard to miss, as it was the biggest piece of card-board I have ever seen…reading, “Welcome home Alexis. I am your Dad.” She ran to him feeling like all the unknown in her life was now in her reach. She went to hug him as they both were in tears. He asked, “have you read the black book?” I said, “no, I have had no time.” He said, “it was your mothers Journey with me how we met, our love and what our goals were to help save lives.” Alexis said, “the only thing I know is you’re my dad and I want the $20,000 to go into what my mother’s passion was.” He said, “giving young lives a fighting chance to live.” He said, “how about a daughter and dad team, you certainly know firsthand how to fight to get your life back.”