Tragic Gift

The day was like any normal day for most people but for me it’s the day after my mom’s funeral and back to work and now I am running late; I snoozed the alarm one to many times.

With Francesca Battistelli blaring in the back ground, I toss the couch cushion, wishing my phone alarm would go off so I can find it; all of a sudden, I hear a buzzing sound. The intercom? The buzzing continues. Leaning back, I let out a sigh of frustration. I turn to walk toward the intercom, buzz, buzz.

“I’m coming!” I shout, and then I think, who am I talking to? They can’t even hear me giggling to myself.

Pushing on the button to speak.

“Hello, how can I help you?”

There was a moment of silence.

I heard a voice stutter slightly into speech, “Ye... Ye... Yes. Ma’am, I am looking for Bethany Anne Dreamer.”

“Me? Why?”

“Well ma’am, my name is Luis Don Breton, I work for attorney Jay Batlleski. I have an envelope and some documents I need you to sign.”

“Attorney?” I replied in awe.

“Well ma’am, we were handling your moms’ final wishes,” he replied once more.

I asked for the number to his office to confirm whether this was true. I mean I am a single woman, can’t be too careful.

“Um okay ma’am. I will slide my business card under the door.”

I punched the buttons into the phone and the ringing begins. Just on the other end a female voice answer with a strong Bronx accent.

“Good morning Law offices of Jay Batlleski, how can I help you?”

“Yes,” I respond, “is there a man named Luis Don Breton who works for your office?”

“Why yes, he works here but he is out on an errand; can I take a message,” She replies.

“No thank you,” I say in response, “have a pleasant day.”

She replied “thank you sweetie, you too.”

Hanging up I turn back to the intercom and buzz in Mr. Luis Don Breton. As he is coming up to my door I imagine what could this possibly be about. Racking my thoughts what affairs could my mom have that needs attorneys? Oh, oh my goodness, I am late for work, I have to call them. Just then there was a knock at the door, the lawyer. As I am answering the door, my phone rings, and instantly I recognize the ringtone my boss. Why should I work the day after mom’s memorial service? No money and no savings to keep me going. It was nice that my mom took care of all that before she passed away; I mean it was cancer, so we knew one day it would happen.

I answered the phone, singing hello in a sweet voice.

“Beth are you on your way?” My boss says in a concerned tone.

“Oh John!? I’m sorry but I’m actually running late, I had an unexpected meeting with an attorney right now, but I will be there as soon as I can,” feeling overwhelmed.

“Well that’s all good but I was hoping you were still home. I wanted to give you a paid day off and let you know your shifts the rest of the week are covered,” he says in a reassuring tone, “we can only cover one day for pay because you know the restaurant industry doesn’t have benefits, but we wanted to give you time after you mom memorial service, and we thought the money and time would help.”

“Ok? Sure, but I was willing to work today. Well I kind of wanted the distraction but I will take the day off. Can I talk about the other shifts later is it mandatory I not work?” I began to feel relieved.

“No, it’s not that fine, we will talk later. Rest and take care of yourself. Sorry about your loss,” my boss last says.

As I hang up confused, I turn to see a young handsome Mr. Don Breton standing there.

Smiling, I replied “it was my job, so now what do you have for me?” Mesmerized by his green eyes, dark hair and olive complexion.

“Well ma’am,” he replies, the envelope in his hand.

My eyes widened with shock, that’s a really thick envelope. I reached out and grab the package and started to open it.

“Well Ms. Dreamer,” Mr. green eyes chimes in, “I also need you to sign two papers, one has a list of items inside the package confirming you have them all. The other is a contract agreeing to the terms in the letter inside the package. If you sign it, I can give you this key to begin your journey.”

“Okay?!” I instantly say. Checking the envelope, a letter, a little black notebook, a family photo, 15 cashiers’ check; each one for $1,000. A title to a property in Boyne falls Michigan, and $5,000 in cash. So, I sign the items received. So now I must read the letter. Opening it up I begin to read.

Hi sweetheart, I can’t imagine what is going through your head the day after my memorial service, but sitting here in the hospital room I was implored to make things right and change your path to a happier one. I wanted to do something for you and now that I am gone it will be easier for everyone.

Remember asking me about the past and who your dad is, my family? Well I couldn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to know. Your dad and I had a love that wasn’t allowed to be. I was young, we were in love; but I was also promised to another his name was Jed. In a jealous rage Jed killed your dad when I snuck away to visit him while he was working in the fields. It was the only time I could see your dad and his beautiful blue eyes, and Jed caught us. So, when his family found out that I was with your father they threatened my life, but they didn’t know about you, so I fled. In the little black notebook is my friends and family, and your dad’s family. I had taken out a life insurance policy and when I sold our house I purchased land near my family in your name. Think wisely about this adventure. But to get this you have to agree to go meet your family. No avoiding it like you tend to do, honey. I am sorry I kept this from you, but I didn’t tell anyone I was pregnant when I left; and I couldn’t for your safety. If you agree to start this journey the attorney will give you the keys to your new car, a 1969 Ford Mustang, I know it’s your dream car. On this road trip I want you to take all the pictures you want and you must start your own business doing photography like you always wanted.

I love you so much.

God is good, I want you to remember that.

Love Mom.

“Ok. Where’s the paper Green eyes, let’s start this journey,” I said firmly, feeling the warmth of my mom through the letter. A single tear began to roll down my cheek as I wore a smile.