John and Bonnie Myers were hashtag-relationship-goals. People always commented on how strong their relationship was. Some had even asked her if they were really like that or if they were different at home. The honest answer was yes, they were different at home. At home, they were worse. They were even sweeter and showed even more PDA.
Jess couldn’t count the number of times she’d seen her dad playfully swat her mom’s rear or how many times she’d witnessed her mom snuggle up to her dad on the couch. They were like teenagers who couldn’t keep their hands off of each other, and they were celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary in two weeks.
It was an incredible relationship to witness, but they did set the bar high.
Her phone buzzed, and she looked down to see the man whose face lit up every time her mother walked into a room.
“Hey, Daddio!”
“Hey, baby girl. Did you get my message?”
“Do you mean the one you left at nine-sixteen on Tuesday night?” Jess lowered her voice to mimic, okay mock, her father.
John Myers was a man of habit. Each voicemail he left, he made sure to include his name, the day, and the time of the message because that was what he’d done in the days of answering machines, new technology be damned.
“You think you’re real funny, don’t you?”
“What?” Jess asked innocently.
“You know you have an appointment with Dr. Richmond tomorrow.”
“Yes, dad. I know. I’m the one that told you, remember?” It had been three months since her last appointment, and although everything had been good then, she still got butterflies thinking about going in.
“I can take you.”
“It’s okay, Dad.”
“I don’t mind.”
“I know, but it’s fine.” As much as Jess appreciated her father’s unending support, it could be a little much sometimes.
Growing up, her dad was always watching her, just waiting for her lips to turn blue or her breathing pattern to change. As a kid, she just wanted to be a kid. She didn’t want to be reminded all of the time that she was sick, even if she felt sick all of the time. She didn’t need it reflected in the faces of the people around her.
Of course, she knew that it hadn’t been his intention to upset her, but there were times it had felt almost as suffocating as her condition.
“You know, just because you’re an adult now doesn’t mean you have to do this alone. Your mom and I are here if you need us.”
“I know.” And she appreciated it.
“Speaking of your mother, she said something about some questions for a game at the party.”
“Yes! You and mom are going to play the Newlywed Game. Brynn is coming up with the questions.”
Brynn was her other best friend. The third musketeer. When Jess had mentioned that she was throwing her parents an anniversary party, Brynn immediately offered to help.
“I don’t understand why we’re even doing it. Your mom and I are not newlyweds,” her dad complained.
John Myers was a fun, outgoing guy that had no problem being in front of a crowd if he had a speech to give or some other purpose, but he was also shy and hated unnecessary attention. When she’d mentioned the idea to her mom, who was also shy but not in the same way, she’d thought it would be fun.
“Yes dad, you’re not newlyweds. Mom’s been putting up with you for forty years so if she wants to play a game. I think it’s the least you could do.”
“She’s been putting up with me? Oh, and I guess because your mother’s perfect it’s been a walk in the park for me?” he teased.
It was a running joke in the family that Jess thought her mother was perfect. She did, but that was because she was.
“You’re right.” Jess agreed, knowing exactly how to push his buttons. “I’m sure it’s been torture being with her all these years. I can’t believe you lasted this long with her—”
Her dad took the bait and cut her off, “I don’t know what I would do without your mother.”