“But, I have the true surprise.” Jorden placed the present on the table in front of Alex’s mother.

“You didn’t have to bring a gift,” Margo said as she held the gift in her hands.

“Open it,” Jorden urged her.

Long, delicate fingers meticulously removed the gift wrapping, setting aside both the paper and the large violet bow. It took Margo almost a minute to get into the box and remove all the white tissue. When the pale blue porcelain vase emerged, a large smile lit up Jorden’s face. The violets etched around the rim, reflected the afternoon sun streaming in the kitchen window.

“I hope you like it!” Jorden exclaimed.

“It’s lovely!” Margo turned the vase around to look at it from all angles. “Thank you, Jorden. I’ll treasure this.” She placed her hand on Alex’s arm and smiled at both of them.

“The vase, it’s for the white roses,” Jorden replied.

“No. It’s too nice to use. I’d be afraid of breaking it. I’ll have to find a special spot for it.” Margo looked as if she were in deep thought, contemplating where to put the vase.

“We’re running late. We had better get dressed.” Alex tugged at Jorden’s hand.

“Don’t forget your yellow rose,” Margo called out to Jorden. “I’ve put it in a vase for you to have in your room.”

“Thank you,” Jorden replied. She couldn’t help but notice the crystal vase appeared more expensive than the one she had given his mother.

Carrying the rose upstairs, Jorden felt a sense of failure. At least she tried—she just didn’t rank in his mother’s class. She told herself to perk up. Jorden unpacked a simple black linen dress and a contrasting white jacket. Next, she took out her short-heeled black pumps—they went well with the outfit. She stood in front of the free-standing mahogany mirror and turned around for one last look. She was pleased with the results.

Alex knocked. “I’m going down.”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

When Jorden entered the kitchen, Alex and his mother were in the middle of a conversation. They looked up, and Jorden could see could see approval on both their faces.

“Wow, you look great!” Alex exclaimed.

“Thank you.”

Margo took their photo before they left.

Chapter 39: January 1970

Chapter 39

January 1970

The smell of dinner drifted through the plane’s cabin. Chicken or beef were the selections. Jorden decided she would have the chicken with rice. She remembered the meal she had in Albany last May. How elegant. A restaurant she would never forget. A smile spread across her face as the evening played back in her mind.

***

Previous Year – Friday evening, Albany, May16, 1969