By the middle of November, the Aherns had traded the station wagon for an Impala four-door sedan. Paul was still skittish about riding in the new vehicle, but hadn’t displayed other anxieties related to his life in Colorado. Renee and Sam would keep their old car at Lynne’s, while the Bel Air sat alongside the Impala in their driveway. Sam had put Paul in the Impala’s front passenger seat, then sat beside him in the driver’s chair. Sam didn’t ask questions, but Paul volunteered that in Colorado he and Ann weren’t sure they liked such a big car. Roy and Beth weren’t mentioned as though they had never existed. But Paul asked Sam if they could ride in the other car, pointing to the Bel Air. Sam wondered if he would end up keeping that automobile despite wishing to sell it as soon as Eric came home.
Eric’s departure from Florida seemed imminent; Laurie had spoken to Dr. Sellers, who said that Seth was due to be discharged at the end of the week. The hawk still visited, Laurie had learned, but Dr. Sellers noted that he had seen a change in that creature, how it never made eye contact, nor did it squawk as before. Seth had informed his doctor that the bird had forgotten it had been human, and the physician relayed that to Laurie in a tone fully accepting the information. In relaying all that news to Lynne, Laurie had shed a few tears. The idea of Seth returning to Brooklyn as a healed man was startling, yet it seemed equal in importance to Eric finding his way home. Only that event might breach the gulf which remained between Laurie and Stanford, which was taking its toll on both men. Laurie had received a letter from Agatha, and while her message was brief, the meaning was significant. Stan had given Agatha an extended leave from work. But, she told Laurie, she had left Stanford a message in the guise of one of Eric’s sketches. What he did with it was between him and Jesus.
Laurie knew which drawing she meant, the one Eric had done of Agatha in Manhattan. It hadn’t caused Stan to choose to pose months ago, but perhaps that hadn’t been its purpose. Laurie prayed about it, although not to Lynne’s Lutheran interpretation of God. Laurie did attend St. Matthew’s with Lynne and Jane, even joining them at the altar, receiving a blessing. While that morning in Lynne’s kitchen had stirred Laurie’s heart toward faith, it was to his Jewish roots he was returning, although there was no synagogue in that small town. He might not go to services until he went back east, he’d said to Lynne, after speaking to Dr. Sellers. But in the meantime, there was much over which to be thankful. Laurie had no idea if Seth felt similarly drawn to exploring their religious heritage, maybe they might discuss it via letters. Laurie had already written to his cousin, but wouldn’t mail it until Seth was on a plane for New York, which might not occur until early next week. But having chatted with his Aunt Wilma, Laurie learned that Seth was expected for Thanksgiving. Maybe the cousins could speak for a moment sometime that day.
Lynne had an appointment with Dr. Salters on Thursday. Laurie accompanied Lynne, keeping an eye on Jane in the lobby during Lynne’s exam. Then the trio headed to the Canfields’, where Fran served lunch. Jane and Helene played while the adults chatted about the coming baby, Thanksgiving, and Laurie’s cousin. Laurie found Fran very easy to talk to, and while she never mentioned Stanford, in her gentle tone Laurie knew both New Yorkers were in Fran’s prayers. She referred to the men by that term, which had made Laurie smile. On the way home, Lynne explained that nickname’s origin, her tone somewhat plaintive. Laurie squeezed her hand, but didn’t speak. Yet he felt strangely optimistic. So many prayers were being said for him and Stan, from such a variety of people. Those prayers also covered Seth and Eric, whom Frannie had mentioned. She was thrilled Seth was leaving the hospital, and that Eric would soon be coming home. Yet Laurie had heard something in Fran’s tone related to Lynne’s condition. He knew that Fran had volunteered to assist if Eric wasn’t back before Lynne delivered. Maybe she was only hoping to be among those waiting to meet the newest member of the Snyder family.
Reaching the Snyders’ home, Laurie noted the extra car in front of the gate. He wondered what would become of that vehicle, then decided to take it for a spin that afternoon. His father had taught him to drive, but Laurie hadn’t needed a car once he’d moved to Manhattan. Laurie didn’t dwell on any more than truly ancient memories, how much his dad had loved driving, even if gasoline was being rationed. Laurie parked in the driveway, killed the engine, then got out, collecting Jane from the backseat. She was sleeping, and didn’t stir as he placed her over his shoulder. He followed Lynne through the gate, the day cool but dry. They walked quickly, saying nothing. Laurie knew Lynne was tired, and that she hoped Jane might continue her nap once they were inside.
If that happened, Lynne would lay down, and even if Jane didn’t go back to sleep, Laurie would insist that Lynne try to rest. Only eight weeks remained of the pregnancy, and all the recent upheaval wasn’t conducive to a tranquil end to Lynne’s confinement. Of course, once Eric was on his way, Lynne could relax, yet that was still fraught with uncertainty. How long Eric took to transform was one notion, not to mention Laurie’s presence. But Lynne never expressed any unease with Laurie’s open-ended stay. She merely hoped Stanford could move past his reservations, joining those out west. As they approached the house, Laurie heard the telephone ring. Might that be Stan, Laurie wondered. Lynne caught Laurie’s gaze, then she hurried to the door. By the time they got inside, the ringing had stopped.
Jane remained drowsy and Laurie toted her upstairs. He returned to the kitchen, finding Lynne seated at the table. “I’ll give whoever it was another minute,” she said. “If it’s important, they’ll call back.”
Laurie nodded. Stanford would more readily speak to Lynne, although Laurie wasn’t sure if she handed over the receiver what Stan might do. He’d probably hang up, Laurie sighed. Then he smiled, for by now Stanford was home from work. Without Agatha’s presence, maybe Stan might be more open to speaking his mind. Even if he wanted to again dismiss what Laurie had told him, dialog was preferred to silence.
The phone rang and Lynne stood to answer it. Laurie cracked his knuckles, but as Lynne turned toward him, the receiver in her outstretched hand, Laurie sensed Stanford wasn’t on the line. Lynne’s eyes were wide as she gave Laurie the phone. “Hello?” he said.
“Oh Laurie, I’m so glad I reached you.” Sheila spoke quickly. “I tried calling Wilma, Rose too, but I couldn’t get a hold of either of them.”
Laurie’s heart raced, although Sheila didn’t sound distressed. “What’s happened?” he said, breathing deeply.
Sheila had plenty to say, and what with the long distance charges, she attempted to talk as fast as possible. Yet Laurie had difficulty digesting her news. “He’s going to Israel instead of Brooklyn?”
Lynne stared at Laurie, who shrugged, then he concentrated on his aunt. “Uh, okay, but why?” Then Laurie shivered; the only person Seth knew in Israel was Norah Wasserman.
But as Sheila continued, one other acquaintance emerged. “So is Cousin Tovah in Miami now?” Laurie asked. Sheila’s daughter had visited Florida much earlier in the year, Laurie recalled. Seth had mentioned their chats, and how comfortable he’d felt speaking with her. “And Seth wants to go to Tel Aviv?” Laurie phrased that as a question, but if felt more like a statement about as bizarre as all Laurie had just shared with Stan. “For how long?” Laurie asked. “Uh-huh, yeah, uh-huh.” Then Laurie sighed. “Well, it’s his choice. As long as Dr. Sellers thinks it’s okay.”
Sheila expounded upon that notion, leaving Laurie with the distinct feeling his aunt definitely had a hand in this change of plan. Yet, Laurie wasn’t worried, although he knew his aunt and mother would feel differently. “I’ll leave it to you and Seth to break the news to Mom and Aunt Wilma. I know everyone was looking forward to seeing him.”
Laurie glanced at Lynne; she had placed her hands over her heart, her eyes still wide. “Yeah, sure. Listen, just tell him I love him, and to send me a postcard. Um, actually, have him call me before he flies. He has this number.” Laurie didn’t care that the Goldsmiths knew he wasn’t in New Yor
k. Laurie needed to hear Seth describe this last minute decision. If he sounded at all anxious, Laurie would personally tell Sheila to butt out. But maybe going to Israel was just what Seth needed. And while it would break Wilma and Rose’s hearts, more to matter was Seth’s mental health. Then Laurie smiled. Seth was actually being discharged. Gazing at Lynne, he saw tears on her cheeks. Laurie motioned for her. She went to his side and he clutched her with his free arm. “Okay Aunt Shelia. I’ll wait to hear from him tomorrow. Okay, bye-bye.”
The receiver still in his hand, Laurie took a deep breath, then let it out, slowly walking to hang up the telephone. Lynne remained at his side, but she met his gaze. “Seth’s going to Israel?”
Laurie nodded, then led her to the table. They sat beside each other, then Laurie grasped Lynne’s hands. “Sheila said that she’d told her daughter Tovah what was happening. According to my aunt, it was Tovah’s idea for Seth to go to Tel Aviv, although I do wonder about that.” Then Laurie smiled, for a strange joy ran all through him. “You know, it’s probably the best place for him, not that Brooklyn would’ve been bad, but maybe this is exactly where he needs to take the next step of….” His new life, Laurie wanted to say. Seth’s life should be restarted in a wholly different place, yet with very recognizable landmarks, although Laurie wasn’t sure if meeting up with Norah was necessary. Would he travel to Jerusalem, Laurie wondered, or remain in Tel Aviv until he felt those avenues had been exhausted. Laurie smiled at Lynne, explaining what he knew about Sheila’s daughter, and why this may be the best course of action. Lynne nodded, then wiped her cheeks. Then she leaned back in her chair, a slow smile spreading over her face.
But she couldn’t speak and Laurie felt words weren’t necessary; this wasn’t only Seth leaving Florida. Laurie looked around the room. How long would it take Eric to get home, maybe two weeks depending on the weather? Weather had also been on Aunt Sheila’s mind, but only in relation to her nephew; temperatures in Israel wouldn’t be as pleasant as Miami’s, but not as brutal as in New York. Seth would fare much better in Tovah’s care, Sheila had said plainly, and Tovah already had a therapist waiting. Tovah herself was arriving from Israel that night, so Seth wouldn’t have to fly alone. Sheila hadn’t given a date, but Laurie assumed perhaps as early as next week Seth would be on a plane, yet not heading north. What would their mothers think, Laurie then wondered. Maybe Aunt Wilma might not be overly bothered, although Laurie knew what his mom would say. Sheila was still trying to play matchmaker; what better than to marry off Seth to an actual Israelite?
With a smile in his voice, Laurie shared these observations. The latter made Lynne chuckle, yet she kept glancing at the kitchen door. Laurie turned around, wondering if she saw her husband walking into the room, his arms outstretched, his eyes…. Then Laurie shivered. What kind of homecoming was Lynne expecting for Eric? Laurie faced Lynne, who kept her gaze on the far wall. Then she stood, walking to a cupboard on that side of the room.
She opened a cabinet, taking a piece of paper from between some cookbooks. Then she rejoined Laurie, placing the sheet face down on the table. Lynne retook her seat, setting her hands on the baby. Laurie knew she had something to tell him, but he felt the message was better shared in whatever Lynne had set in front of him.
Then she took a breath. “Eric drew this last Christmas. At the time, he said he didn’t know why and I nearly tore it up. Sam found it a few months ago, I’d forgotten about it.” She sighed, then turned over the paper. Laurie assumed to see the image of a happy family. But immediately he gasped, finding a much different drawing.
“I don’t know why I’m showing it to you now, and I don’t want you to think it’s because of Seth.” Lynne leaned toward Laurie. “That’s not it at all. I just….” She traced her image, then caressed Laurie’s cheek. “It might be a while before Stanford can accept what’s happened. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”
Laurie nodded absently, mesmerized by Lynne’s likeness, yet so much more emanated from her pose. Then Laurie stared at Lynne. “He may never believe me.”
“Believe us,” she said softly. “If he asks, I won’t lie.”
“And if he asks Eric?”
Now Lynne smiled. “Eric won’t fib either.” She glanced at the paper, then to her large belly. “Whatever happens Laurie, you’re family. I know eventually you’ll go back, but….”
Laurie nodded, but he wasn’t at all certain about his future. His clients were being looked after by other trusted dealers and if Seth wasn’t going to Brooklyn any time soon…. Laurie again gazed at the drawing. “Thank you Lynne. I never imagined myself living outside of New York, but….”
“I’m sure Seth never considered Israel.” Lynne smiled. “To be honest, I think that might be the best move, I mean….” She laughed, then stood, leaning against the counter. “He has a lot to process still. Who’s to say that can’t happen outside the country?”
“My mother for starters.” Laurie chuckled, then went to Lynne’s side. “But I think we’re glossing over somebody just as meaningful.” He stared at the drawing, then grasped Lynne’s hand. “He’ll be home by Thanksgiving maybe.”
Lynne nodded. “Maybe.” Then she swallowed hard. “Laurie, promise me one thing.”
“Anything.”
“If Stanford asks you to come home, you’ll do it.”
“Sure.”
Lynne sighed, placing Laurie’s hand on the baby. Firm kicks were felt, making Laurie smile. “Lynne, I just don’t think he’ll….”
“Just promise me, okay?”
Laurie nodded. “Like I said before, from your lips to God’s ears.”
As he finished speaking, Lynne began to cry. Laurie turned to her, then pulled her close. She wept hard, over what he wasn’t completely certain. Most of it was Eric’s impending departure from Miami. But another issue was present, perhaps something only known to Lynne and her husband. Laurie comforted her, keeping his eyes on the phone. He couldn’t imagine what might compel Stan to request Laurie’s return. But if Stan did ask, Laurie would keep that promise. In the meantime, he walked Lynne to the sofa, where they sat together. Lynne didn’t nap, but she remained at Laurie’s side. He pondered the sketch in the kitchen, also wondering about another and exactly why Eric had drawn such evocative pieces.
Chapter 154