Finding Home Pt. 06

"OK, E. Real talk here, what exactly has Ellen told you?" queried Sara.

"I actually wrote a list: first, Andy's great uncle is the Vice President of the United States. His wife and Helen are sisters, but they keep that on the down low. Then, Andy won the Navy Cross, and it will be presented at his grandfather's lifetime achievement award dinner from the Massachusetts Bar Association. Third, Jessica is pregnant, and due in late November - early December, and Andy and Ellen are the godparents. Fourth, you and I have been given our own passcodes to the cabin as honorary -- or I am anyway, 'cause Sara leveled up - family members. Fifth, Ellen is engaged to a friend of Andy's from High School who everybody, including Andy, thought was gay. Sixth, Andy and Ellen's fiancée, Christopher, surprised their ladies with an amazing cover of "Isn't She Lovely?" And, I have to say the only thing I loved more than the video of you guys singing, was the video of Sara watching you. Seventh, Miss Sara has a brand new, exclusive wardrobe that Ellen and Sara's stylist Tina chose for her, and handled all the alterations. Eight, Sara rocked a little black dress and blew Droobie's mind. Last, but not least, the two of you are going ring shopping in New York City this weekend with your mom and Ellen, because," she paused dramatically, "the two people I love more than anything are getting married in December!" she screamed. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you, and I love you both so much! Please tell me I'm invited?"

Sara sat tearfully listening to her best friend run through all that the past five days had brought about. She laughed, wiped her face with the handkerchief Andy gave her, and laughed again.

"E. You know you're invited. The maid of honor is always invited," said Sara.

"Wait. What?" asked an incredulous Eden.

"Eden. You are a crazy white girl, and we know exactly what you did for us. I love you like a sister -- so much so that when you get back - I may even share our boyfriend with you. I would be honored if you would be my maid of honor. Please E? You have to say yes!" sobbed Sara.

"YES, YES, YES!" Eden laughed, "Sara, thank you so much! I would love to be your maid of honor."

The conversation paused as both girls wept, giggled, screamed in joy, and wiped their eyes.

"So, I just have one question, now that the really important stuff is out of the way," interjected Andy. "I hate to be a buzzkill, but I've got to leave for my study group here in a minute. Why did you do it, Eden? Why did you try to sell me some cock-and-bull story about meeting a dude on the plane?"

"Well," she said. "I figured the two of you would suss it out. He really does exist, by the way. I just left one little, teensy-weensy thing out: he and his boyfriend are engaged to be married." She laughed. "Here's my short answer: I did it because I love you both -- but especially you, Sara. Andy is perfect for you, and you're perfect for him. Now, Andy, I know we could have been really, really happy -- and please know that I would date you in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the beautiful woman, whom I hardly recognize, sitting next to you. I need both of you in my life -- but you really need each other. As I was talking to Brian, that fact just hit me."

"And -- to be clear, my mother thinks I've lost my damn mind, and Andy you ought to know that Elise cried and cussed me out when I told her. Evie thought I was on drugs, or something, as I was lamenting my decision. You managed to thoroughly charm the Adams women. Mom says daddy is moping about the house."

"Are you still lamenting your decision?" asked Sara.

"Yes and no. When I see you together -- no. Sara, I mean it when I say I hardly recognize you. I bet Kail and Grace are freaking out! I do lament it when I think of making love to Andy. Droobie you made that so beautiful; I love you for that. Sara, I appreciate your offer to share him with me, but we can't -- or I can't -- anyway. Our boyfriend was my first, and he was amazing. I'm a fickle bitch. If I got Andy in the sack, I'm afraid I'd try to steal him from you. Ellen has been great as well. She's helped me see just how right my decision was."

"Well, it's great to see you, Eden. We miss you and can't wait for you to be back. I gotta go," said Andy, getting up to leave. He popped back into the screen, "Oh hey, one more thing. Sara and I can't wait to see you Sunday night. If you need a ride from Logan, we can make that happen." As Andy said this, he subtly winked at her, and she returned the signal.

"Andy thank you. I cannot wait to see the two of you this weekend. I am so freaking excited I can't stand it," she bubbled.

Andy kissed Sara goodbye, and the two roommates continued to talk.

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"Message received, Snips," he texted her as he walked to class. "Be safe. We love you and miss you."

"Thanks, Captain Rex," she responded. "I finally figured it out: thanks for the upgrade. Love my girl well, or I will go Ice Princess on your ass."

Andy found a Rex GIF, and fired it back.

"Le Bernadin, huh? Somebody has some major pull. She's going to love it," Eden texted back.

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As Andy walked into the basement math lab, Grace Federspiel was standing at the bottom of the stairs, down the hallway from where his study group was to meet. Andy was pleasantly surprised to see her.

"Andy, I need to talk to you," she said abruptly.

"Listen, Grace, I need to talk to you as well," he began, "I need to apologize about kissing your hand, Kail was busting my chops, and I wanted to get her back a bit. I hope that didn't offend you."

"I'll only be offended if you don't kiss me on the cheek next time," she said.

Andy laughed.

"Andy, the Second Lady of the United States called me this afternoon claiming to be your Great Aunt. She invited Kail and I to New York City this weekend. We leave Saturday morning on a private plane out of Portland, have dinner at Le Bernadin, stay at the Plaza Hotel, and have brunch at the Plaza before we fly back on that same private plane Sunday afternoon. What's going on?" she asked.

"I'm asking Sara to marry me this weekend," Andy said. "We'd like you and Kail to be there for our engagement dinner. The two of you are very special to Sara, and I kinda like you, as well," he joked.

"Well then, your sister -- Ellen, I think? -- called us to let us know we had a fitting for our evening wear, and that a car would take us there from the airport," she said incredulously. "We're both, like, freaking out."

Andy laughed. "OK, this is a total surprise for Sara. You have to make sure Kail understands that. She has no idea I'm doing this. She thinks her mom, my sister, and she and I are going there for dinner. It has to stay on the QT."

Grace interjected, "That place has like a 3-month waiting list. How did you pull that off?"

"My sister is interning with Donna Karan this summer, so initially, Donna did us a solid. When I got the idea to include some more people, and get a private room, it took my Aunt Jane to pull it off. The wife of the Vice President has some serious juice," he explained.

"Wow. OK, that makes sense. By why the fitting? What's going on there?"

"Sara's summer design project is dresses for Sara and Eden. They both complained about tall girls with shoulders and boobs not being able to find anything that fits," he smiled.

"They're right about that. I'm the smallest of the Misfits, and I have a horrible time finding things that fit," she said. "Kail is freaking out. Andy, she's a double E cup, and she's 6'2". No way she can find anything off the rack. Especially not for Saturday night. When I left, she was in the boathouse crying."

"Ellen knows this -- well, not that Kail is crying - but about finding stuff to wear. She's amazing, and you're going to love her. Call her back and talk to her about what she's planning. If I know Ellen, she'll need a few pictures and some measurements. Grace, she helped Sara pick out a dress Saturday night that left me absolutely speechless. You and Kail are in great hands. The two of you will look stunning, I guarantee," explained Andy.

"Andy, listen. I was really disappointed when I found out that you and Sara were dating, and then engaged. I'm sorry. Please understand, life at Colton is not easy for girls like the four of us. I know Sara and Eden talked to you about it. When you walked into class, I really thought I might have a shot with a ridiculously cute guy. Then, I saw you go out of your way to talk to Jeannie, and I realized you weren't just eye candy, but you're a really kind man. Now, over the past couple of days, I barely recognize Sara. I do hope the two of you are really happy, and I'm sorry I reacted the way I did."

"You've got nothing to apologize for," said Andy. "When Sara and I stop and talk about it, we're overwhelmed by how quickly everything has happened. I'm glad you're in Sara's life. The Misfits mean a lot to her."

She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Andy. Kail and I are glad you're in Sara's life -- and ours. Mum's the word. I may have to tape Kail's mouth shut, but we'll handle it."

"And Grace," said Andy, "if Sara was not in my life, you would have had more than just a shot. You're an amazing woman, and any man would be damn fortunate to be seen with you, let alone date you."

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At 4:05 PM, Andy walked through the door of the Commons to find his grandmother and his fiancé chatting like old friends amidst a haul of garments. Both women smiled at him when he walked in the door, and this time, it was Sara who nodded in Andy's grandmother's direction. Andy walked to her and hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Hello dear boy. It's good to see you. Now, listen to me. When your fiancé is in the room, you must go to her first. I'll not have this kind of nonsense again. Do you hear me?"

Andy chuckled, "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry."

Andy hugged and kissed Sara, and sat down next to her amidst her new wardrobe. He put his arm around her, and she leaned into his shoulder.

"I'm glad you're here, Andrew. I want to talk to both of you. We are rather short on time, so I will get right to the point. I know you talked with Jessica and Alex about your future. Please know, Ralph and I are so pleased you want to settle in Boston. Sara dear, it thrills me to think that old house will have such a wonderful mistress to oversee her when Ralph and I move out. My mother and father bought that house, and Jane and I were born there. I've lived there the vast majority of my life. I cannot tell you how happy I am that all 3 of our grandchildren want to live near one another. It really is a dream come true."

Andy and Sara smiled at one another, and at her.

"Now, Andrew David, we must talk about your future. You have wisely chosen this amazing young woman, so you've got the hard part out of the way. She is very much a part of this, so what I have to say is for her as well. And Sara has played a large role in returning you to yourself, and to your family -- better than ever, I might add."

She cleared her throat and continued, "I want to tell you a story about my parents. My father was a merchant marine captain from Boston during WWII. He and my mother met at sea. Mother was a Brit, and a member of the Nursing Yeomanry. Her transport ship was torpedoed, and father's ship rescued her. Three days later, when they landed in Portsmouth, mother cabled her family and told them she was marrying a Yank in two days' time. 'If they would like to be present, they best not be late.'" She chuckled demurely as she said this.

"My mother was from the English Aristocracy. She was Lady Victoria Sumner-White. I now realize that one of the reasons I've been drawn to you, Sara, is that you also have a hyphenated surname. I am partial to people with such surnames. Mother's family was quite wealthy, and she came with a sizeable dowry. When they got to Boston, the first thing mother did was buy the house you grew up in, Andy. The second thing she did was begin to invest and husband the remainder of the money. She started with about half a million dollars US, and grew it to twenty million by the time Jane and I took it over. Mother was quite shrewd when it came to finance. She taught Jane and I, and together we've grown that sum into -- well, it's about half a billion dollars as of the close of the market yesterday."

Andy whistled, and Sara looked absolutely stunned. Helen Carlson gave them a wry grin.

"Now, while you and your sisters will inherit the lion's share of that amount, you'll not get all of it. As you know, Ralph, Jane and I all graduated from Colton. Your Uncle Henry went to the Naval Academy. We have plans to give a large gift -- probably $100 million dollars - to Colton in the near future. The rest of the money is managed by an LLC that Jane and I formed: The Sumner-White Group. Now, about 20 years ago, we hired a young woman from Colton and taught her our -- well -- system of investing. She has additional clients, but most of our net worth is legally managed by her, though Jane and I really do the work. This is entirely for tax purposes, and so that our damned government will not take all your inheritance. In fact, you should pay very little in estate taxes when that time comes. The estate is sheltered very well."

"Here is where I want to talk to the two of you. Andrew, you have a very sharp mind. Your Aunt Jane and I would like to suggest that you come to work for Sumner-White when you graduate. It might be a good idea to change your major to finance, but you'd be fine whatever you want to do. Eventually, you would be the CEO of the corporation, once we were all sure you were ready -- especially you."

"Now, as all three of us know, you are a protector, Andrew. You always have been. I want to suggest that this is a way to protect -- and continue to provide -- for your immediate and extended families. Your grandfather and I marvel at how well the three of you get along. I'm not sure we had anything to do with that, but we are certainly the beneficiaries. You could protect and serve them, if you choose to, as well as successive generations of your families."

"I know I've told you quite a bit. We've never told any of you how much money our family really has. I ask that you please keep that information in confidence. Jane and I thought that if the three of you knew, you might not pursue what you were passionate about in the world, but rather live off the wealth. We love you too much to even entertain such a thing."

"You do not need to give us an answer right away. You have very important things coming up that deserve your full attention. Which reminds me: married student housing at this school is a travesty. Your Aunt Jane and I would like to buy the two of you a home to live in while you're here. Of course, you'd be welcome to the cabin, but it is a bit far from campus to be ideal, I think. We can talk about the employment offer next year -- when you'll both be seniors."

Andy and Sara sat in stunned silence. Finally, something Helen said stuck out to Sara.

"Andy is a freshman. He'll be a junior in two years."

"No dear. He did about a two years' worth of college online when he was in the Marine Corps. This is his first year at Colton, but academically, he is a second semester sophomore -- a semester behind you."

"Oh," said a still-stunned Sara.

"He is, however, sandbagging a bit this summer," she grinned. "He has already passed Calculous I twice: once in high school, and once in his online work. Colton, however, would only allow him to transfer in three semesters' worth of credits. Ralph and I allowed it only because we were quite worried about his state of mind when he first came here. Circumstances, and Miss Sara Jones-Easley, have quite relieved us of that worry," she smiled.

"There is one more thing I should like to address with you -- though you may find it awkward coming from your grandmother. I am of the opinion that a full-size bed is too small for this space."

Andy looked at her, confused.

"Sara gave me a tour, dear. I'm not naïve or befuddled. Plus, I've seen the way the two of you look at one another. I can guess where you sleep," she grinned. "Neither of you are physically small. A full-size bed barely fits you, Andrew. I'll not have my granddaughter-in-law crammed into a corner while you hog the bed. I've taken the liberty of ordering a queen size bed, with all the things your grandfather added to it. There are also sheets coming for all the beds in this Commons."

"Now, please help Sara put her new things away. I may have added a few pieces Saturday after we left the store. The Fedorov's will be here soon, and we're going to The Lobster Shack. I absolutely love that place, and have not been there in ages. I was rather envious when your grandfather told me he'd eaten there with you. That place was here when he and I were students," she grinned.

_____________________________________________________________

At 7:10PM, they arrived at the ice rink. Andy and Alex went to change, and Sara, Jessica, and Helen went to the seats saved for them by Grace and Kail. Jessica handled the introductions.

"Wow! Now I see where all the DeHotties get it from. You're gorgeous Mrs. Carlson!" blurted Kail.

"Thank you dear. You're a very striking young woman yourself. You both are -- but then again birds of a feather do flock together," said Helen. "I think Sara is one of the loveliest young women I've ever met. I would not expect less of her friends."

"So, listen, I need to warn you," began Kail. "Well, it's just that Sara talks about how gracious and elegant you are, so you should know that I have an anxiety disorder that's an offset of Tourette's. When I get nervous in a social situation, I basically have no filter. I'm cool with Kisses and Gracie. I really dig JFed; but Mrs. Carlson, when I say really crazy stuff, I hope I don't offend you."

"Kail, you are a very lovely and accomplished young woman. You have no earthly reason to be anxious in any given social situation. You keep excellent company. I hear you ladies are the twice reigning NCAA champions in fours. Congratulations! That's quite an accomplishment."

"Well, here's the deal Mrs. C. We call ourselves the Misfits. That's because we're all really tall, and smart. We all have big boobs, and big shoulders. I like to say that we're big girls with big girls. Gracie and Kisses are bi-racial, Eden's mom is the provost, and I told you about me. We scare the ever-living shit out of boys around here. Unless your name is Dreamy DeHottie, boys just run away," said Kail.

Sara, Jessica, and Grace held their breath as they waited for Helen to respond. Kail had been very frank, and while they loved her, and were, for the most part used to it, this was Helen's first experience with Kail. Helen smiled at the young woman.

"Kail my dear, there is your problem: no boy could ever appreciate women like you. It takes a very strong man to love a strong woman. Boys will never be to muster. And, just to be clear, I'm presuming Dreamy DeHottie is Andrew?"

Sara nodded, and giggled. "Kail calls Andy Dreamy DeHottie, and he calls her Special K."

"And why are you Kisses?" Helen asked as she turned to Sara.

"Well, my first two years here I was pretty tough -- at least on the outside. I was this bad-ass, bi-racial girl from Brooklyn who wouldn't take any stuff from these prep school snobs. So, Kail used to call me M&M's: tough candy shell, milk chocolate center."

Helen Carlson began to laugh uproariously. When she was done, Kail continued the explanation.

"But now that she's met Dreamy, the tough candy shell is gone. She's all nice, and pleasant, and soft -- though she still kicks ass. If anything, she's more bad ass, now that she and Dreamy are together. Now there's no candy shell - just the milk chocolate, so she's a Hershey's Kiss. Hence, she's Kisses."