(16) Moving In

Chloe spent the evening packing her belongings together. She noticed Nancy passing by her room several times. At one point, Nancy glanced in briefly, then as an after thought, shut the door. Chloe, saddened by her gesture, sat on her bed. For the first time since her announcement, she had doubts. So much uncertainty lay before her. What if it didn’t work out? What if it really was harder than she imagined? What if her modeling thing didn’t work out and she really did have to work as a dishwasher?

The sudden knock on her door broke her chain of thoughts. “Come in,” she yelled. To her surprising disappointment, it wasn’t Nancy. Craig popped his head in the door, “You got a minute?” Chloe smiled politely to mask her true feelings. “Sure, come on in.”
Craig shut the door behind him and noticed her stuffed suitcases. “I see you’re getting an early start on this.”
“We found an apartment today. Ginny’s dad went ahead and signed the lease. We’re moving in tomorrow,” she said softly.
Craig, unable to hide his surprise, raised his eyebrow. “Wow, that was quick.”
“I know. I’m still in shock myself.”
“So I take it you haven’t changed your mind.”
Chloe hesitated a moment before shaking her head, “No.”
Craig sat down next to her on the bed. “This is definitely…unexpected.”
“I’m sorry Craig, but…”
“Just hear me out for a second, please.”
Chloe nodded, allowing him to continue.

Craig stood up again, rubbing his hands together. He looked around the room, searching for the appropriate words. He sighed deeply as he began, “I can’t say I agree with you on this. It’s not that I think you can’t handle it, because I do. I just think it’s unnecessary at this time. I know isn’t very obvious to the average person, but your mother is really hurting over this. She reunited with you a little over a year ago, and now it’s like she’s losing you. It’s killing her Chloe. From where she stands, this venture of yours couldn’t have worse timing. Even though you plan on staying in Salem, it doesn’t matter. To her, you are shutting her out, walking away.”
“Craig, I’m not, honestly.”
“I know you’re not. But to her, you are. I don’t know if she would ever be ok with this. But I think if you had at least told her about it sooner, she would be able to handle it a lot better.”
“I don’t think so. She is dead set against this no matter how or when I phrase it. At least this way, I can erase all opportunity for her to fight me. I’ll be gone,” Chloe admitted in all honesty.

Craig threw his hands up in defeat, realizing she had a point. He joined her on the bed again. “All I’m asking is that you show her you still care. Make the effort. That’s all she needs. A simple phone call, a visit, an email, any time of the day, it doesn’t matter. She just wants to be apart of your life. She is very proud of you Chloe. She loves you very much.”

Chloe sniffed and rested her hands on her forehead. She struggled to hold back the tears. Still unable to meet his eyes, she fidgeted with her hairbrush. “I know she does. I just wish she could understand that I’m not doing this to hurt her. I’m really not. It’s just something important to me. I do plan on keeping in touch with her. Believe it or not, I think it would kill me if I didn’t. I know I haven’t been that pleasant to her since I’ve been here. But it finally dawned on me right here, right now, how much I really do care for her. How much I’ll really miss her, and maybe how I’ve taken her for granted.”

“Then don’t leave,” Craig offered firmly.
Chloe looked at him, “I have to.”
“No you don’t.”
“Craig, please don’t fight me on this. I really need your support.”
Craig sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Ok, I’ll let it go. I had to try at least. I will support your decision, but only on the grounds you do as I requested.”
“I promise I will maintain contact with you and Nancy.”
Craig stood up and pulled out his wallet. “Your mother doesn’t know I’m about to do this. But I know deep down it’s what she would want me to do. We can’t just throw you to the wolves. So here’s something to get you started.” He threw a wad of $100 bills onto her bed. “Use it wisely. If you need more, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Chloe stared at the money Craig dropped on her bed. She stood up to hug him. “Thank you for trying to understand. I’m sure it’s very hard to be caught in the middle like this. But I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, especially this. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you wont.” He smiled weakly and turned to go.
Before he could open the door, Chloe stopped him, “And Craig…”
He turned around, “Yeah?”
“Tell her I love her.”
Craig nodded, “I will.”
*******
Chloe called Ginny to pick her up first thing in the morning. When she woke up, Craig and Nancy were no where to be found. Chloe’s gut told her Nancy intended it to be that way to avoid the agony of watching her leave. Chloe moved quickly, lugging her possessions down the stairs. Ginny arrived shortly afterwards and helped her carry her belongings to her car.

They stopped by the apartment first to drop off her items. Chloe felt a twinge of excitement as she locked the apartment behind her. She ran to Ginny’s car and jumped in, “All right, let’s roll!” They drove to Mimi’s house. Chloe was greeted by a tearful Mimi rushing towards her with an oversized, stuff suitcase. “I have to get out here,” Mimi yelled in a quivering voice.
“What’s wrong?” Chloe asked in concern.
Mimi waved her off, “Let’s just get out of here.”
Ginny popped her trunk open from the front seat. Chloe followed Mimi to help her load the heavy suitcase inside. “Is there anything else you need help with?” Chloe asked innocently.
“No!” Mimi yelled. “This is everything. Please, let’s just get out of here.”

She opened the backdoor and climbed into the seat. Chloe resumed shot-gun and looked back to Mimi. Mimi looked away, uncomfortable by Chloe’s curiosity. Ginny tapped Chloe’s thigh, gesturing to her glovebox. Chloe opened it, awaiting Ginny’s instructions. Ginny pointed to the small package of kleenexes. Chloe grabbed them and shut the door. She handed the package over her shoulder to Mimi. Ginny threw the car in reverse and began to back out of the driveway.

Suddenly, Mimi’s younger brother ran out onto the driveway crying. “Conner NO!” Mimi screamed from the backseat. Chloe watched as Conner yelled, “Don’t go Mimi, don’t go!” Mimi’s mother ran out to the driveway and swooped up the broken-hearted, wailing sibling. Chloe felt a sudden rush of deep sorrow as she watched the scene unfold before her. An unexpected tear dropped from her eye as she caught a last glimpse of his pained expression. It was way too much…

Ginny’s car lurched forward. Within seconds, they were out of sight. Ginny and Chloe remained quiet as Mimi balled from the backseat. Halfway to the apartment, they stopped at an intersection. Ginny looked at Mimi through her rearview mirror. “Are you sure you want to do this? I can turn back now if you want. Just say the word.” Chloe waited for Mimi’s answer in anticipation. She watched her from her window mirror. Mimi sniffed and wiped the tears away from her face, “Yes I want to do this. Just don’t talk about it ok?” Ginny stepped on the gas as the light turned green, “All right then.”
*************
Mimi composed herself by the time they arrived at Ginny’s apartment. Chloe and Mimi helped load Ginny’s clothes into her car. Brady and Brett showed up shortly afterwards. The girls cleaned her apartment while the guys loaded the heavier furniture into a U-HAUL truck. After a couple hours, Ginny’s apartment was empty. Brady and Mimi got in his Mustang to head to the apartment. Brett followed them in the U-Haul, while Ginny and Chloe stayed behind for her inspection.

After Ginny handed her key to the landlord, the girls jumped into her stuffed car. Ginny smiled at Chloe, “You ready for this?” Chloe smiled back, “Yes I am.” Confident in her reassurance, Ginny back out of her stall and drove to their new home at Mallard Crossing.
*********
Everyone worked together to unpack the U-Haul. Around lunch time, Ginny went for a pizza run. Brady worked on assembling the stereo while Brett and Mimi arranged the furniture. Chloe went into the bedroom she and Mimi agreed to share. Discouraged by their complete lack furniture, she decided to unpack her toiletries in the bathroom.

Once that task was complete, she returned to her empty room, making a mental note of things to acquire: toilet paper, trash-can, towels, washcloths, tooth brush holder, cup. SHOWER CURTAIN, for God’s sake. She walked into her closet. Another item to add: clothes hangers! In the meantime, she dragged her clothes inside, making a pile for her side. Hello closet organizer, dresser…shoe rack.

My God, she thought. I don’t have shit!

She joined the others in the living room. Ginny had just arrived with the pizzas. Chloe, now fully aware of things not to take for granted, was grateful for Ginny’s silverware, plates, and glasses. Add to that the couch, television, entertainment center, stereo, dinette set, lamps, extension cords, cleaning products… on and on. Suddenly, every little thing had magnificent importance. All small parts of the big picture.

“You’re sure quiet,” Brett noted to the thoughtful Chloe. Chloe looked up, “Huh? Sorry, I was just thinking.” “Must be pretty profound. You haven’t said five words since we got here.” Chloe shrugged, not offering any further explanation. Ginny searched through her CD’s and found her selection. She slipped it into the player and adjusted the volume.

Chloe suddenly lost touch with her thoughts as she became intrigued the music. “Who is this?” she asked of the beautiful voice. Ginny sat down next to her, “Mary J Blige. The song is ‘Slow Down’.” Chloe’s interest was perked, “This song is incredible.” “I know,” Ginny said as she licked her fingers. “Better get used to hearing her. She’s one of my favorites.” Chloe nodded in approval. Brady threw his crust in the box and slid onto the floor, “This is what you call ‘f---ing’ music, Chloe.” Mimi chuckled at his bluntness as Chloe did a “Ha ha, very funny.”

Brett stood up and put his plate in the sink. “I got to run. I got some things to do before tonight.” Ginny threw her crust down and burped. “I can drive to you car at the old apartment.” “Fine, I’ll wait downstairs” he mumbled. He left the apartment without even saying goodbye to Mimi. “Prick,” she muttered as he door closed behind him. Ginny grabbed her keys, “I’ll be back right after I drop him off. You want me to talk to him?” Mimi closed her eyes and shook her head as she lay back on the floor. “Screw him.”

Once Ginny left, Mimi joined Brady on the couch. She rested her head on his shoulder sleepily. Chloe found a trash bag in the kitchen and threw away the pizza box. She joined the two in the living room, sitting across from them in a lounge chair. “What is up Brett’s ass?” she asked. Mimi shook her head, staring out the window. “He’s just being his usual self, that’s all,” she answered softly. Chloe shrugged uncomfortably, deciding it was obviously none of her business.

Brady stroked Mimi’s hair tenderly, “You going to be ok? You looked pretty tore up earlier.” Mimi stretched her legs out in front of her and lay her head on Brady’s lap. “I’ll be fine.” “How about your brother?” he asked instinctively. Chloe felt a slight twinge of curiosity by Mimi and Brady’s surprising closeness. Chloe returned to the bedroom to unpack. She did her best to ignore the hushed conversation taking place between the two.

Chloe glanced up when she saw Brady get off the couch. He closed the venetian blinds in the living room and placed a blanket over Mimi. He whispered something in her ear to which she nodded, then headed Chloe’s way. Brady stopped in her doorway, “Hey, I’m gonna split now. She’s going to sleep right now. I told her I would take you guys to school in the morning if that’s what you wanted.” Chloe stood up to walk him to the door. “Thanks for everything,” she whispered.” He nodded and gave her a friendly hug. “Just let her rest,” he said softly when he stepped outside. Chloe glanced over her shoulder to the emotionally exhausted Mimi. “I will,” she answered. She waved to him as he descended the stairs beside their door.
**********
Ginny arrived home just as Mimi woke up from her nap. Ginny rushed around to get ready for work while Mimi unpacked her stuff. Chloe compiled a list of things to buy for their room. Ginny went into the girl’s room, “Hey, I got to go. If you want, you can drop me off at the restaurant and take the car to go shopping.” Mimi hugged her, “That would really help Ginny, thanks.” Chloe grabbed her purse and list.

After dropping Ginny off, the girls headed to the local Wal-Mart for a basic necessities shopping spree. “How money do you have?” Mimi asked Chloe as they picked out bath towels. Chloe threw her selection in the cart, “Actually, I lucked out Mimi. Craig gave me a thousand dollars to get started.” Mimi’s eyes bulged, “A thousand dollars!” she heaved.
Chloe nodded in embarrassment, “Mimi, I didn’t ask for a dime, I swear.”
Mimi gulped, “Gee I wonder how much you would have gotten if you DID ask! Wow, that is generous.”
“I know it is. But I plan on paying back every cent of it. That’s the only thing that keeps me from feeling so guilty. I’m thinking of it as a loan.”
“Whatever floats your boat,” Mimi said in envy.

Chloe stood up and pushed the cart down the island to check out the shower curtain selection. “What we really need is a car. Something we could afford, you know, a clunker or whatever. What do you say we go fifty-fifty on one?”
Mimi picked out a shower caddy, “I know what you mean. I’d hate to rely on Ginny, Brady, or public transportation all the time. It’s always nice to come and go as you please. But I don’t really have that much money Chloe. I got some saved up, but it’d have to be cheap, I mean REAL cheap.”
“Like how cheap?”
“Well if we’re going to split the costs, I’d say under a thousand dollars.”
“This should be interesting. We’re gonna end up driving a real piece of shit.”
“Yeah, but it will be OURS, Chloe. Which is the point, right?”
“Exactly. I’ll grab a newspaper for us to check out the classifieds.”
“Ok, now what about furniture?”
“Oh, no shit. I know what you mean. We have NOTHING. I was thinking of getting a futon.”
“Me too! As for the other stuff, we could go to a thrift store to get old furniture. Then we can fix it up and paint it. We can utilize the skills we learned this summer for Habitat baby!”
Chloe laughed in agreement, “Sounds like a good idea. I say we go for it.”

They found a model of their choice futon on sale, but it was out of stock. They took a rain check, disheartened by the two week wait. For the interim, they bought sleeping bags and pillows. After checking out their items, they swung by the grocery store. On their way home, Mimi felt a rush of pride, “Girl, we are so GOOOD! What other teenager could shop like us? I don’t think anyone could. I mean we at least appreciate what little we got, right?”
Chloe smiled, “So true Mimi, so true.”

They carried their stuffed bags to the second floor of their apartment. Chloe flipped the lights on as they dropped their bags on the sofa. They unloaded their groceries and returned to the living room to rummage through their new household items. Chloe got up to put her stuff away as Mimi popped Ginny’s Mary J. Blidge CD into the player. The sound of “No One Else” pumped throughout the apartment.

Chloe found Mimi dancing at ease in the living room as she reached for a cigarette. This time, Chloe was unable to conceal her disapproval. Mimi caught her vibe and walked towards the patio door, “Don’t worry, I won’t smoke inside.” Chloe blushed, “Sorry, I just don’t like the smell of smoke. Other than yesterday, I had no idea you even did.” Mimi shrugged, “It’s ok, I don’t mind going outside. I really don’t do it that much. I started about a month ago. It helps me relax.” Chloe squared her shoulders and mumbled, “Whatever.”

Mimi left the door open, allowing the cool November air to penetrate their apartment. Chloe joined Mimi on the patio to check out the view. Mimi took a drag and exhaled. She pointed to the building adjacent from them, “Check that out.” Chloe looked around blindly, “Where?” Mimi pointed to the first floor. “Right there.” Chloe gazed in the general direction. There were two guys about college age sitting on their patio. They were drinking beers, while a third guy lit a barbeque grill. The two guys caught Mimi and Chloe spying on them. “Hey!” they yelled. Mimi waved to them.
“Did you just move today?” the one on the left asked.
“Yes,” Mimi hollared back.
“We saw you,” the one on right yelled. “What’s your names?”
“I’m Mimi, and this is Chloe,” Mimi introduced. Chloe gave a small wave.
“I’m Joe, and this is Alex,” the guy on the right yelled. “Nice to meet you.”
“There’s one more of us,” Mimi responded. “She’s at work right now.”
“Oh yeah, what’s her name?”
“Ginny.”
The guy at the grill turned around, “Ginny? That name sounds familiar. Does she go to the university? By the way, since these assholes won’t introduce me, I will. I’m Casey.”
Mimi laughed, “Hi Casey. Yeah, she goes to school there. She’s a senior majoring in English.”
“Ginny Vaccarezza?” He guessed as he looked at the other guys who teetered.
Mimi’s face fell in suspicion. She flicked her ash to the wind, “Yeah. Why, do you know her?”
“Kind of. She’s pretty cool.” He yelled back.
Mimi and Chloe fell into an uncomfortable silence, not really knowing what to say.
“Are you guys freshman or something? I haven’t seen you around before,” Alex asked.
Mimi and Chloe looked at each other before Chloe decided to speak up. “We’re juniors…at SALEM HIGH SCHOOL.”
The girls giggled as Casey dropped his spatula and Joe spit out his beer. “You guys are in high school?” Joe yelled in shock. Chloe smirked, now feeling brave. “Yes, we’re in high school. It’s a long story.”
Alex cracked open another beer, “I’ll take your word for it.”
“Thanks, cuz we don’t really feel like explaining it right now.”
“No problem. You guys want to come down and hang out? We’re just drinking some beers.”
Mimi went to accept the invitation but Chloe kicked her. “What?” Mimi hissed under her breath. Chloe lowered her voice, “We aren’t going anywhere near those guys until we get the lowdown on them from Ginny. Don’t be stupid Mimi.”
“Fine,” she mumbled to Chloe. She extinguished her cigarette and apologized to the guys, “Thanks, but no thanks. We’re pretty beat from moving. We’ll see around some other time.”
“Good night,” the three guys yelled in unison.

Mimi followed Chloe inside, shutting the door behind her. “What was up with THAT?” Chloe yawned, “Oh come on Mimi. We don’t even know those guys. I’d rather find out about them first before we even consider their invitation. They could be trouble.” Mimi flopped onto the couch, and mumbled, “Whatever you say, cautious one.” The cell phone Ginny left behind suddenly rang. Mimi lurched towards it and answered. “Oh hey Brady. What’s up?…Great. You can spend the night here too if it’d be easier. You can just crash on the couch… Yeah. Ok, I might still be up when you get here. Bye!” Mimi hung up the phone.
“Who was that?” Chloe asked.
Mimi turned off the stereo. She clicked the television on and flipped through the cable channels included in their rent package. “That was Brady. He’s going to bring Ginny home tonight so I don’t have to pick her up.”
“That’s nice of him.”
“He’s offered to take us to school tomorrow too. So I told him to just spend the night and sleep on the couch.”
“That’s fair after all he’s done for us today. Anyway, I’m going to finish putting this stuff away then call it a night. What about you?”
Mimi left the stopped on HBO to watch the latest episode of “The Sopranos.” “I’m not really in the mood to unpack right now. I think I’ll go through the classifieds to find a car for us.”
“Good idea. I’ll see you in the morning then.”
“Night Chloe.”

Chloe shut the bedroom door behind her. She placed her towels and other bathroom accessories away before hooking up her shower curtain. She took a long hot shower then blew her hair dry. She changed into her pajamas and unrolled her sleeping bag. She set the radio alarm clock she just bought and hit the lights. Exhausted, she crawled inside her sleeping bag and adjusted as comfortably as she could. To her annoyance, the outdoor lights in the hallway glared inside her room.

Feeling the eptiome of her independence, Chloe wondered how just how much curtains cost…