by Janet Reimche

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: May 07, 2009

Michelle's Journey

Michelle stood at the window in her father's modest apartment, watching the puddles in the driveway swell for the third day in a row. Since her arrival, she and her father had gone to a double feature, looked at a photography exhibit at The Portland Art Museum, and shopped for books at the Lloyd Center Mall. She had talked to Tommy a half dozen times and sent him twenty text messages.

When the rain finally let up, Michelle's father suggested spending a day at Blue Lake Park. She agreed, even though she really didn't care one way or the other. But once they got to the lake, her mood lightened. The park was full of activity and the sun felt comforting against her skin. Rick suggested they take a paddle boat out on the lake. Afterwards they hiked a trail, stopping for soda at a concession stand. Then they settled at a picnic table near a baseball diamond.

"I need to get something out of the car," Rick said. "Be right back." He returned a few minutes later with a blanket and a picnic basket. "I made fried chicken last night after you went to bed," he beamed. He pulled a carton of potato salad out of the basket, removed the lid and placed a scoop on each plate. "You know, we haven't talked about your life back in Seattle since you got here. How was your second year of high school?" he asked.

"My grades dropped a bit, but I still made the honor roll," Michelle answered, tucking a strand of dark, wavy hair behind her ear.

"Are you still seeing Tommy?"

"Yeah," she answered flatly.

"He's a good boy. You know, of course, that you're too young to get serious about anyone," Rick advised.

Michelle placed a chicken leg on her plate and looked up at her father. "Are you giving me relationship advice?" she countered.

Rick put his hands up in surrender. "You're right, sweetie. I've lost that privilege for now."

A tennis ball rolled within inches of Michelle's foot and a golden retriever followed close behind. "Hello, boy," Michelle said, tossing the ball in the dog's direction. "Here you go." The retriever caught the ball in his mouth and ran back to his owner.

A softball game was getting underway and Michelle's attention was diverted. "You should be having fun with your friends right now, instead of sitting here with your old man," Rick commented.

"I'm fine, daddy," Michelle replied, returning her focus to her plate. "I've got the whole summer ahead of me."

"Well, why don't we talk about what happened

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