Her parents lived in the same house where she was raised. They’d lived there for over forty years. Feeling the warm water coat her body and inhaling the fresh clean scent of body wash, Sophia realized home was a feeling, not a place. She liked that feeling. It made her feel safe, loved, and wanted.
Rinsing the floral scented cream rinse from her long hair, she suddenly shivered as cool air penetrated her warm moist haven. Before she could turn or comment, Derek caressed her trim waist and hips. He was her home. He gave her that feeling. It even transcended her art, allowing Sophia to use bolder colors, attempt more abstract drawings, and create beyond previous boundaries. If he could do that for her, moving to the West Coast was a small price to pay.
Wrapped in a thick luxurious towel Sophia combed her wet hair. Droplets of water rolled down her bare back as she contemplated drying it. She didn’t like using a hair dryer. It was bad for her hair and used a lot of energy. But the cold April wind didn’t support wet hair. Smiling, she thought about her parents and heard her mother’s voice, “Don’t go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch your death of cold.” At first her parents may not like the idea of her moving west. But, after she explained the two homes and her ability to visit while Derek travels, Sophia anticipated understanding. After all, that’s what they had always provided -- understanding.
Derek pulled her from her thoughts as he entered the glass and tile bathroom. “I just went down to the front desk to pay the bill. It was paid.”
“I gave them our credit card.”
“No.” He shook his head, “Shedis-tics paid it.”
Sophia smiled, “That’s nice.” Then her expression darkened, “But weird, how’d they know we were even here? I mean you didn’t know until last night.”
“I don’t know.” Derek smiled, “But man, this company has perks!”
Sophia tried to push the uneasiness away. Obviously Derek saw this as a positive. She wouldn’t be the one to bring him down. She smiled, “I guess that means more money for breakfast.”
Derek encircled her waist, spooned his wife, smiled into the mirror, and mused, “Mrs. Burke, I don’t think you can eat that much.”
Sophia removed her phone from her purse as Derek slipped their car into Boston traffic. The icon indicated missed calls. She listened to the messages, two from her mother.
Sophia’s expression said it all, something was amiss. Derek waited while she listened. Finally he spoke, “What is it?”
“It’s my pop. He’s been in a car accident. Mom thinks he’ll be okay, but I need to call.”
Derek nodded and reached out to squeeze his wife’s hand. As he watched her fumble with the screen of her phone, he changed the direction of the car. No longer were they headed to the Cape. He turned onto I-84 West. Before Sophia realized where they were, they were in Connecticut headed toward New York and on to New Jersey.
“Thank you. I’ll feel better seeing him in person.”
“What happened?”
“Mom isn’t sure. She kept saying, I was supposed to be with him, I should have been with him. She’d stayed home with a migraine. She’s blaming herself. His car went off the road near Sourland Mountain Reserve. He’s driven those roads a million times. The police speculate wet roads caused the accident.” She turned to her husband’s profile. “You know I’m proud of you and your new job? But maybe we shouldn’t mention it to them, not yet.”
Derek nodded, “Your pop will be fine. He has your mom to look after him.”
Sophia fought her emotion, as tears moistened her cheeks. “You know, I didn’t think about others. I got so wrapped up in myself and us.” Her chest heaved, “I never considered them when thinking about moving to California. If we were in Santa Clara we couldn’t just jump in a car and be there.”
“No, we’d jump on a plane,” he reassured, “which, considering this traffic, might be quicker.”
Sophia smiled. “Private planes, right... something to get used to!” Sighing, she leaned her head against the seat, watched the world pass-by, and settled in for the five hour drive.
*****
The gray clouds settled over Princeton, raining down and draining color from the urban landscape. Sophia considered drawing the scene, thinking about chalk, she’d need only black -- devoid of color, the sketch would come to life in shades of gray.
She liked her hometown of Princeton, New Jersey. After all, it was where she experienced childhood, learned to walk, talk, and color outside the lines. And although her parent’s home wasn’t in the Borough, it was still Princeton, the home of the acclaimed university.
Sometimes growing up she hated the prestigious school. It seemed like the entire world revolved around it. Unlike so many of the locals, she knew in her heart the world offered more. However, now Sophia was eternally grateful for Princeton, especially its medical center.