If I returned to the year 1988 for only one day I would go to work with you. We would wake up early and I would climb into your big white truck. On the way to work I would enjoy holding your hand. I would fit my tiny fingers into your callused and dry hand and I would feel the cold from your wedding band. I would watch you as you listened to the radio and ask you about things like why the construction workers on the side of the road wear bright orange vests even though I already know the answer.. Right before we get to your work I would watch you order a coffee and Bavarian creme donut from the old lady behind the counter at Dunkin Donuts. I would watch as she smiled back at you in a witty sort of way. I would order a chocolate donut with sprinkles and a strawberry milk. When we got to your work I would spend the morning walking around trailers with you looking interested in what was happening. After the coffee truck came through and I got a candy bar I would retreat to your office and organize your desk. I would clean everything I could reach and then it would be lunch time. We would go to some place like Denny's and you would tell the waitress to take her time that you were out with the boss's daughter and didn't have to rush back. We would both eat a burger and fries and we would talk about school and softball. I would not tell you I was from the future yet because I would want to revel in my moments with you. I would want to remember you just as you were.
The truth would come on the ride home. The clock would read 5:05 and we would be sitting in traffic. I would turn down the radio dial reading 103.3 and I would tell you that I am not the Adrienne you know. I would tell you that I am from the future. You would tell me that I am talking like I have a paper asshole because you always use to say that and I would not know what that means.... because I never really did get that saying. I would keep talking though and all my details would get you thinking maybe I was right... I would tell you that your daughters were married and about your grandaughter. I would tell you about the grandson you soon will have. I would tell you about our career choices and our college degrees. I would tell you about how proud you should be. I would tell you that Sophia has your curly hair and sense of humor and that I fear Benjamin will need Ritalin because he will be so much like you. Although you are not sure what to think you will begin to wonder if I am capable of such a far fetched story. At home we will eat as a family. Mom will make breakfast for supper. I will eat 2 egg mcmuffins and Tera will talk about her day at school. She will be holding her trapper keeper as she makes here way to the dinner table. Sandy will have a colored scrunchie holding her hair up and will speak very matter of fact about her day. Mom will facilitate dinner and clean up and offer us 3 day old sponge cake that we will refuse until my sisters and I head into the playroom for an episode of Punky Brewster. I would chase Mocha the cat around the house trying to get her to sit with me which she will refuse to do. I will hear you and Mom laughing from the living room and I will recall how much I miss the days when life was that simple. When you tuck me into bed I will be sad that the day is ending. Before I close my eyes you will tell me you are from the future too and that you have seen us all. I will tell you that is impossible and you will tell me to look a little deeper and I will see you. As I drift to sleep and then awake I will look down at my growing belly climb from my bed and begin my day...thinking of you...
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