Chapter 17 - The Call From Brooke
Brooke called me after nearly a year of occasional letters.
“Clara?”
“Hello, Brooke.”
“I have news.”
I waited.
“I’m engaged.”
That surprised me.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“He knows everything.”
I smiled.
“Everything seems popular lately.”
She laughed.
“He’s an accountant.”
“Excellent career choice for you.”
“Very funny.”
“What’s his name?”
“Evan.”
“Is he kind?”
“Yes.”
“Can he afford his own house?”
Brooke laughed loudly.
“Yes.”
“Then I approve.”
We both became quiet.
“Clara.”
“Yes?”
“I wanted to ask something.”
I braced.
“Would you come?”
“To the wedding.”
That I had not expected.
“Why?”
“Because you were part of my life.”
“Not always in ways I’m proud of.”
“I don’t know.”
Brooke swallowed.
“Maybe I want one person there who knows exactly who I was and can see I’m trying not to be her anymore.”
I thought for a long time.
“Is Julian comfortable?”
“I already asked.”
“He said it’s up to you.”
Of course he did.
Finally:
“I’ll come.”
Brooke cried.
The wedding was small.
Margaret cried harder than anyone.
I sat near the back.
Not family table.
Not special position.
Perfectly content.
Brooke wore a simple dress.
No giant production.
No luxury handbag.
During the reception, she found me.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She handed me a card.
I opened it later.
Inside:
Clara,
Thank you for teaching me that respect costs more than luxury and is worth infinitely more.
May you like
Brooke.
I kept that one too.
