Silent Noise

Chapter1 “I can’t believe I am about to move to New York! I mean I can, but I can’t!” Jackson squealed excitedly as she talked to her mom on the other line. Although incredibly supportive of her daughter, Jackson’s mother was going to miss her dearly. The two were extremely close, probably the closest out of her other three siblings. They were so close in fact that when the forecast called for dangerous storms to roll through, Macie, Jackson’s mother would call her to come sit with her until it passed. Knowing how frightened her mother was of storms, Jackson would be right there, even if she had to drive through the storm herself to get there, and even though Jackson picked on her the entire time with every clap of thunder that rumbled through the skies, Macie enjoyed her daughter’s presence. Macie was also going through some difficult times and Jackson struggled with her decision on whether to leave or stay to help, but her mother would not hear of her staying because of her. Macie was a single mother of four kids, all college educated with great careers and were all also remarkably close and well-traveled. She loved and wanted her children to take every opportunity that came their way, she wanted them to travel the world and enjoy their lives, never leaving anything on the table. She wanted them to do everything that she never did, or accomplished in her seventy-four years, so although the mere thought touched her greatly, she would not hear of Jackson not accepting this great venture because of her. “I can believe it, you work so hard Jackson, that deserves and comes along with rewards. I am so happy for you and your promotion. You just be careful on your drive up, that’s a long way,” Macie begged. “I know you’re not afraid to drive that far but I just don’t know how you all do it. Between the planes, the ships and long distant driving that each of you do, it makes me scared just thinking about it,” Macie continued, grimacing at the thought. “So, what about Gail? What have the two of you worked out?” Macie asked, concern in her voice. There was a time when Macie would not have been able to have this discussion with Jackson. Many years ago, when Jackson revealed her sexuality to her mother, their relationship soured. At the time, her mother had terribly negative views on the l***q+ community and was not afraid to let them be known, even to Jackson. Luckily, as time passed, Macie became more educated on the lifestyle that her daughter was a part of, she realized Jackson was still her daughter no matter how, or who she loved. Macie also realized that no matter what, she loved her daughter unconditionally. She recognized there was nothing different about the l***q+ community than any other group of people, she humbly realized they were still people and should be treated as such. Even though their relationship suffered for a while, the end result, and how far her mother had come was worth it. Jackson could not have been prouder of her mother for opening her heart. Now, many years later, Macie loved Gail just as much as she did her own daughter. “Well mama, you know that’s the only way to get around right? And if you want to go anyplace worth something, a plane and a cruise is the only way to go,” Jackson laughed as she broke it down to her terrified mother on the other end. “And no, we have not decided anything quite yet, I would love for her to come with me, but I can’t be upset if she doesn’t. After all, our plans were to head south, to Florida, to palm trees and beautiful beaches not almost to Canada to ice, cold weather, and snow up to your knees!” Jackson laughed at the thought of Gail trying to dig herself out of snow taller than herself. “Plus, she has some things she needs to handle here, this will not be the first time we lived in separate places, so either way, we will be ok. I still have about another three weeks before I have to be at my new assignment so we will see. So, tell me, how are you doing ma? How is everything going?” For the next hour, Jackson and her mother did like they had done on countless occasions, the two talked about everything until it was time for one of the two to charge their phone. “I love you too ma! Make sure you charge your phone, and I will call you tomorrow!” Jackson promised before they ended their call. ♦♦♦ “Hey babe, you going to help me pack or just stare at me the whole time?” Jackson joked later that evening in her apartment as she taped shut the small U-Haul box before moving closer to Gail. At this point Jackson’s house looked like a war zone instead of the sleek, comfortable, and overly neat home that it used to be. U-Haul boxes were stacked to the ceiling, her walls were empty of the beautiful canvas paintings and pictures of family and friends that used to adorn them. Her home of over eight years was sadly becoming a thing of the past right before her eyes. “I’m sorry babe, of course I will help. I am just going to miss you so much if I don’t go. I want to go, but you know everything I have going on. I have some applications in, but it doesn’t look like Syracuse has too many openings in my field and on top of that, the regulations and employment laws are so different upstate,” Gail said, her tone sad as she laid her head on Jackson’s broad shoulder. “I would definitely need to get acquainted, and I am sure certified in different areas to be in compliance with New York laws which are much different than North Carolina laws,” Gail added as she revisited her glass of wine. “Babe, you know I got you until you get on your feet if you went with me, how many times have you had my back?” Jackson asked sincerely and in a serious tone as she looked intently in her lover’s eyes. “But I also want you to do what you need to do, I’m the one throwing a curve ball in our plans, you were expecting hot sunny days not cold icy nights. If you don’t come, you know I will still love you and we will work through it like we always do,” Jackson said as she held Gail tightly in her arms, thinking to herself how hard it was going to be to leave the love of her life behind. Jackson had been with Gail for a little over eleven years. The two met a month before Jackson began working for her company back in 2007 and just like most couples, they had been through a plenty of difficult times throughout the years. One of the longest breakups happened near the end of 2013. Sadly, things hit tough times and they needed to see if being apart was better for each of them. Both had entered new relationships during that time but could never give their whole hearts to the new people in their lives because they could not stop thinking about one another. While in their now new lives, with new people they soon realized that moving on was going to be almost impossible. Each time they were apart, they would only find themselves back in each other’s arms and beds. The truth was, they were meant for each other and could not deny the love that they held in their hearts for the other. They had been through so much together, both good and bad and could not seem to throw it all away. The last time the two reunited, they each vowed to put forth positive efforts to make their relationship work this time around no matter what that would mean. The one thing each of them knew was they could not and did not want to live without the other in their life ever again. “I know you got me babe, and you know I got you, and Jackson, know that I am so proud of you! Let’s not even think about it right now, I still have three weeks with you, and I want to enjoy every minute. Now, hand me a box and order some Chinese,” Gail playfully ordered, her arm extended. “Yes, ma’am!” Jackson said as she stood and saluted Gail who was laughing hysterically as Jackson tossed her a box and pulled out her phone to order dinner. “I know what though, you better behave yourself up there, you know they have never seen anything like you before and will be trying to push up on you to figure you out. Don’t make me come up there and pull you away by the ear like a child,” Gail said, failing to sound serious because she was not able to contain the laugh. “Girl be quiet, I’m not thinking about those people. Hopefully, I will not be the first gay person that they have seen. Syracuse is definitely not New York City, and it does not compare to Charlotte either, so I don’t know, maybe they are a little behind,” Jackson laughed. “As long as they are respectful, we will be good. What do you want?” Jackson asked as she watched Gail, who was still tickled at the conversation trying to tape the box close. “My favorite babe, Beef with Broccoli, light onions. I love you, Jackson.” “I love you too babe,” Jackson replied as she typed away on her Grubhub app.