Empty Nest
It was late in the evening and Jenny had just left the ranch. Their dinner conversation began with why Steve and Rachael had ended their relationship after 4 years. Steve was unable to explain why he couldn’t commit to marriage, as Rachael had wanted. It was difficult for Jen to comprehend since she was never told the whole truth of her mother’s tragic death. Steve was relieved when the discussion was finally redirected to Jen’s recent acceptance to medical school. Steve smiled still not believing his little girl would be attending Yale. He always knew she was gifted but in her 4 years of college she managed to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a Master’s Degree in electrical engineering. He still couldn’t believe the focus and drive of his off spring. She even managed to have an active dating life the last 3 years.
His first concern was finances when she told him. Although he had invested well over the years an ivy-league school was very expensive. He was relieved that her grades had afforded her a scholarship. He wondered how it all came about since all of the students who apply for academic scholarships have perfect grades. She filled him in on the details of the process, which not only included grades but also extracurricular activities and a face-to-face interview with the person offering the financial assistance. It was the philanthropist’s final decision as to who would be awarded his or her money.
From what she knew it was the first year the Jason Scanlon Medical Scholarship was offered, the criteria for each candidate was being a female medical student with a 4.0 grade point average who was active in extracurricular activities and showed great potential in the advance of medicine. Steve hid his shock well from hearing the familiar name. Yes, Dr. Jason Scanlon, a Yale graduate, who was the neurologist who once was in love with Jessica. The surgeon had not had any contact with Steve or Jennifer in the last 20 years. The last Steve had seen him was at Jessica’s grave just after her death. From Steve’s conversation with Jennifer it was obvious she was unaware of Dr. Scanlon’s relationship with her mother. He wondered what the doctor’s reaction was to meeting Jennifer for the interview looking and acting so much like his former love.
Next week he was heading to the east coast to work on an OSI project and decided it was time to give Jennifer some things he had saved for her throughout her life. He pulled the old cardboard box from is closet and placed it on his bed. He added items to this box over the years but never took the time to look through it.
The first item he pulled from it was a picture of him and her in a tight embrace at her recent college graduation. Nothing could dull the dazzling smile on her face or the pride that was evident in Steve’s face. He placed the photo on the bed and reached in and retrieved a small ring box. He smiled a sad smile as he opened it, Jessica’s engagement ring. Yes, it was time to pass it on to her daughter. He knew Jen would be surprised.
The next item was a pair of Patton leather tap shoes and ballet slippers. Their small size made him chuckle as he remembered her dance recitals. He pulled out a picture of her at age 5 wearing her black tuxedo-tails dance ensemble complete with miniature top hat; the second photo was her wearing an adorable tutu and tights, her hair pulled up into a bun, with a sweet smile on her face. He traced her innocent face with his fingertip before taking a deep breath and wiping a tear that threatened to fall.
His hand returned to the box and removed her Girl Scout sash that was covered in round patches, telling of all the things she learned and good deeds she had done. He folded it carefully and placed it on the bed.
The next item was a piece of fabric. He unfolded the material that had the date and accomplishment written in black permanent marker along with the signature of her flight instructor, her father. The shirttail was cut off following her first solo flight as a student pilot. His chest tightened at the memory. He was so incredibly proud of her that day it thrilled him that she shared his love of flying. Initially he worried as any parent would but she proved herself more than once with her natural ability to handle an aircraft and all that goes with it.
His smile turned into a huge grin as he extracted a tiny pink baby sleeper from the box. It had the words ‘Daddy’s little girl’ on the front. ‘Oh how true that was’ he thought.
He leaned forward and looked into the box to check for any other items. There were a few small items left, a small license plate with ‘Jenny’ printed on it that once adorned the back of her first 2-wheeler, six blue ribbons from horse shows she had participated in, and last but not least was the picture she had drawn after her nightmare where she saw her father blown up. It no doubt saved his life all those years ago. He sat the drawing aside wanting to keep that for himself.
He stayed up most of that night thinking on what he wanted to do with his life now that he was no longer the primary caregiver of his daughter. He was only 53-years-old but looked at least 10 years younger than that. He kept himself in great physical shape over the last 2 decades. Now that his daughter was an adult he felt his life held no real purpose. He let his mind wander as he drifted off to sleep.
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By the time he boarded the commercial flight to Dulles Airport the following week he was pretty sure of the new direction his life should take, it was the only logical one he reminded himself. He rented a car and headed to Oscar’s office for the scheduled meetings on a new missile guidance system. Once again he and Rudy Wells were paired for the project since it involved both miniaturization of components, Rudy’s field of expertise and Steve’s field of aerospace engineering. At least he would feel productive again, a feeling that was getting more and more elusive.
The meeting was fruitful with several items being listed that needed refinement before the experimental phase could commence. It seemed that Steve would be staying in Washington longer than initially planned. No longer having a residence in the area he got a hotel room, which of course was courtesy of the OSI.
He had dinner plans with Oscar and Rudy which involved filling them in on the events in their niece’s life. They too asked about Rachael and Steve just stated, without a detailed explanation, that it had ended amicably because Steve would not marry her. Rudy knew deep down why Steve would not marry again but kept his thoughts to himself until he and Steve could be alone. As the three friends exited the restaurant Oscar and Rudy headed home while Steve headed to the hotel.
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Friday came and Steve had made arrangements with Jessica to spend Saturday with her at Yale. Between his last project meeting and heading north he made a quick stop at his wife’s gravesite. Placing a beautiful spray of roses at the headstone he allowed the memories of his short time with Jessica to fill him with both joy and sadness. He so wished she could have participated in their daughter’s upbringing, wondering if Jenny would have turned out differently with her mother’s influence. In a melancholic mood he started the car and headed off to see his daughter.
Father and daughter enjoyed their time together. As expected Jennifer was completely overwhelmed by the gift of her mother’s diamond ring. She cried as she slid it onto her right hand before hugging her father in gratitude. For the last few months Jen could feel her father struggling with the changes his life was taking. ‘Why couldn’t he just marry Rachael and be happy?’ was all she could think about. She also knew her father and the subject was not up for discussion.
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Steve returned Monday to Rudy’s lab as the adjustments continued on the guidance system, both working on their separate areas but sharing work space. Rudy couldn’t help but address Steve’s mood.
“Rudy I’m fine. I’m just adjusting to my daughter being out from under my wing.”
“What about Rachael? I thought you two were great together.”
“Rudy, like I told Jen, I don’t want to discuss it.”
“Want to hear my assessment of the situation?”
“Not really.”
”I think you are afraid to get that close to a woman again after what you went through with Jessica.” Steve looked at his friend wondering if he was that transparent. “I’m surprised that intuitive daughter of yours hasn’t figured it out yet.”
“She doesn’t know.”
“Doesn’t know what about you and Rachael?”
“No. She doesn’t know the circumstances of her mother’s death. I just told her she died when Jen was born.”
Rudy was shocked. “You lied to her?”
“No I just never told her the whole truth.”
“So am I right?”
”Yeah, I’d say you’re in the ballpark. Can I get back to work now?” Steve went back to focusing on the engineering drawings on the table in front of him letting the doctor know the discussion was over.
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When they finally took a break that evening Oscar joined them for dinner. Steve thought it would be the right time to inform them of his future plans.
“I thought you two might be interested in what I’m planning on doing since I no longer have a job.”
Oscar was the first to question his friend, “What do you mean you don’t have a job?”
“I retired from the Air Force 3 weeks ago.” Steve’s friends were unsure where this was heading. “And since my daughter is grown and building her own future I’ve decided it was time to make some changes in my life.” He had his friend’s full attention at this point while Steve took a deep breath unsure how his plans would be received. “I’ve decided to come back to the OSI as an operative that is if you want me.”
The news fell like a dead weight on the table between them. The silence filled the air until Rudy spoke up, “Steve are you sure?” Steve just nodded as he took a sip of his beer.
Oscar was still in shock and speechless so Rudy continued, “How did you come to this decision?”
“Well my daughter is grown which is the main reason I resigned in the first place. I’m tired of the same boring flights and paperwork I’ve been doing the past 2 decades. I figured I’m still in great shape and thought I could contribute more if I return to the OSI as an agent not just an occasional consultant.”
Oscar took a long swig of his drink as his stomach buzzed with excitement at having his best agent back. “Steve I’d love to have you back!” He said with a sincere smile.
Rudy was still wary of Steve’s unexpected decision, “I still can’t believe there isn’t something else you would rather be doing.”
Steve reassured him, “Well, maybe I still feel I haven’t yet paid the government back for rebuilding me. Besides where else can I do as much good?”
Oscar ordered champagne to celebrate Steve’s return as Rudy asked, “Please tell me this isn’t part of a mid-life crisis?”
Steve just shrugged, “Maybe it is, I don’t know, I’ve never had one.”
Oscar poured the bubbly and raised a glass in a toast but Steve interrupted, “There’s only two things I need first.” Oscar’s smile disappeared waiting for the information. “I don’t want Jennifer to know about what I do and she still doesn’t know about my bionics and I want it to stay that way. Agreed?” He held up his glass and Oscar’s smile returned.
“No problem pal. Welcome back.”
Difficult Decision
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