Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

“So nothing’s standing in your way of going after what you want now.”

“I will not confirm nor deny that I have business in Virginia for an indefinite amount of time. That business may or may not be focused around the University of Virginia.” She winks coyly.

“You really are my idol.”

“Remember that boss I told you about? She sat me down and had this similar conversation two months ago. As far as the network goes, my assignment is labeled ‘Classified’.”

We both burst into laughter together. I’m really going to miss her.

Chapter 9

“Devon!” my mom screams, waving wildly at me through the crowd. Michelle stands next to her, bouncing around. Quinn and I both pick up speed and run to them.

The instant Mom’s arms wrap around me, I sink into her. It’s been an emotional two days, and the overwhelming urge to cry creeps up on me. Leaving Brazil was much harder than I imagined. My team bonded during the past six weeks. Even though we would share classes in the fall, it would be different. We agreed to keep in touch, especially as we prepared our final projects. Being around them twelve hours a day formed a closeness that can’t be replicated with a few hours in class.

The hardest part was saying goodbye to Shana. She’s staying for a few more days to cover a network-specific story before going to Virginia. I watched her closely when she said goodbye to everyone, including Professor Grant, as we piled onto the bus. To anyone else, it looked like a normal hug, but I saw the sadness in both their faces. Her glassy eyes caught mine, and I gave her a smile of encouragement. Quinn and I already decided that Shana has the five weeks until school starts before we play matchmaker.

I’m brought back to reality by my mom’s voice. “You okay, honey?”

“Yes, glad to be home.”

She nods and links her arm through mine. As we make our way to the baggage-claim area, she and Michelle fire questions at Quinn and me. Finally, we hand our phones to them to scroll through pictures as we watch for our bags.

We eventually get to the car, where our dads are waiting curbside. My earlier emotions fade away at the excitement of being home. In my attempt to dodge Bryce and his family for that year and a half, I avoided coming home for extended periods of time. Now, I have two whole weeks before going back to Charlottesville.

Once we get to the house, the Jacksons leave, and Mom helps me lug all my stuff upstairs. As I unpack, I tell her about my conversation with Shana. She’s unusually quiet when I finish, staring at me blankly.

“What’s your take on it?” I ask.

“There’s a lot to think about. Sounds to me like she speaks from experience and saw a chance to share that with you.”

“I’ve dissected it to death. To be honest, it scares me. I never thought I’d be asked to choose between Bryce and my career.”

Her face floods with concern. “Baby, if you marry Bryce, there is no choice. He’s it. Have you two really talked about the future?”

I nod and tell her about the conversation we had the night in my apartment, leaving out the sex.

“Well, it sounds like you think you know what you’re getting into, but he softened the blow. I’m going to tell you the truth. You may think you researched being a Navy wife, but the cold hard facts are the Navy is going to dictate a lot of your life. Decisions will be made. That boy will turn himself in knots to make you happy, but some things can’t be controlled. Your career will not be considered when the Navy makes their assignments.”

“I’ll have him, though.”

“Yes, you will. And I think that may be what Shana was saying. True love will win out over everything. She regrets losing it, even with all she’s accomplished.”

“Do you think I’m being naïve?”

“No, but I do think you’ve overlooked some very important issues. I knew in Aspen he was going to win you over. It was obvious to me that his future would include you. He broke your heart, but he also put it back together.

“Nate may say I see rainbows and unicorns, and he’s right. When it comes to my children, I want you to be happy. Did I know you would be engaged in less than six months of dating, no, but it’s not a surprise. Maybe it sets me apart from other moms, but being a young bride does not worry me. What does worry me is that you haven’t thought about the impact it will take on your life.”

“Mom, you’re kind of freaking me out.”

“Let me lay it out for you. Two years ago, I sat in this very position, talking to you about changing the course of your life because of a broken heart. I told you then, and I’ll repeat it now—my job is to make sure you’re okay. You went to UVA with your sights set on your professional future. He was out of the picture completely. Now, he’s not, so you need to adjust your future.”

“Do you think going to MFA School is a waste? That I’ll never be able to completely pursue a career in photojournalism?”

“Not at all. I think Shana was telling you that you can have both—love and a career, and to not get lost in the hype of the industry.”

I lie down next to her, curling around her hip like a child. “You’re truly the best mom ever.”