March 1, 2009
Riverside, California
"Mommy? Are we really gonna move in with Aunt Mari?" Lizzy tagged after Rose as she carried a box packed with the child’s belongings down to the hybrid.
"Yes, Lizzy. I’ve already told you that."
"I know, but I was making sure." Lizzy paused. "Mommy, why doesn’t Aunt Mari come to live with us? She could sleep in my room!"
"It’s too expensive, Busy-Lizzy. That’s why we’re moving in with her."
"Because Daddy doesn’t have a job and we can’t live on your singing." Lizzy quoted what she’d heard her parents say.
"Right, Lizzy. And Aunt Mari’s apartment is too expensive for her by herself, but your Daddy and I will help pay for it."
Rose put the box in the car, then took Lizzy’s hand and headed back up the stairs. They had stayed in their apartment through February, since the rent was already paid for the month, but had decided to leave before the landlord could evict them for not paying their rent in the following months. Mari had been more than happy to have them for roommates, and had even offered to share her own bedroom with Lizzy, giving Jack and Rose a room of their own.
Jack had still not succeeded in finding another steady job. He had immediately signed up with several temp agencies following being laid off, but the work was sporadic and low-paying at best. It helped, and he admitted to enjoying some of the work, but it wasn’t enough to keep a roof over their heads. He had managed to sell some of his artwork, as well, but his best pieces, paintings of Rose that he had made every June since they had been married, he refused to part with.
Rose had been relieved to find that once the scandal with Vandekar Publishing was over, she was able to get more singing engagements. Apparently she had not been the only one to connect the shooting incident with Vandekar, and with the company bought out by White Star Publishers in New York, there was no longer any danger to her. She had managed to book singing engagements every Friday and Saturday night for the next two months, and if the work remained steady, it would be enough to cover the Dawsons’ share of the rent and food in their new home. It was by no means a sure source of income, though, so she still sought a steady job.
Lizzy had not been as upset as they had feared at leaving preschool. She had enjoyed getting to go to school and see her friends three mornings a week, but the thought of moving in with her beloved Aunt Mari had smoothed over her disappointment at having to leave. The little girl idolized her mother’s former college roommate, wanting to be like her in every way. This sometimes worried Rose, as Mari’s interest in herbal medicine had not waned, and she was more than happy to teach Lizzy everything she knew. Rose knew that Mari’s competence had greatly increased since the Jimsonweed incident so many years before, but she wasn’t sure that Lizzy’s four-year-old mind could fully comprehend what Mari was teaching her.
Jack met them at the door, carrying a cardboard box containing the last of his and Rose’s belongings. "Are you about ready?" he asked Rose, holding the box tightly with his stronger arm.
"Almost. I just want to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything." She looked in the door. "At least we don’t have to worry about moving the furniture. Thank goodness for furnished apartments."
"Who do you want to ride with, Lizzy?" Jack asked his daughter, leaning down to her. "Me or Mommy?"
"Mommy’s got my car seat."
"Do you want to go with her, or do you want me to get it for you?"
Lizzy considered this for a moment. "Mommy, is it okay if I go with Daddy?"
"Sure, Lizzy. We’re all going to the same place."
"Okay, Daddy. I’ll go with you." She turned around suddenly, hugging Rose. "Don’t be sad, Mommy. We’re gonna move in with Aunt Mari."
"I know, sweetie. You’re going to share a room with her."
"I am?" Lizzy’s face lit up. "I’m glad Daddy doesn’t have a job. We’re gonna live with Aunt Mari!"
Rose laughed, watching the child jump around excitedly. Lizzy’s enthusiasm was contagious, smothering the lingering sad feelings the adults had about leaving their apartment and having a roommate again.
Jack hefted the box, nodding to his daughter. "Come on, Busy-Lizzy. Let’s go give the keys back to the landlord." He paused a moment, giving Rose a quick kiss. "See you there, love. Remember, it won’t be forever."
"I know." Rose hugged him, box and all. "Roommates again…it’ll be like old times." She stepped back, going inside the apartment. "I should be along in about an hour. Take care out there."
"I will." He turned towards the stairs. "Come on, Busy-Lizzy."
Rose watched them go, Lizzy skipping along happily. Sighing a little, she went inside to make sure they had left nothing behind before going to their new home.