Bean
Who has this #? Some kind of joke? My mom’s dead. Thanks.
Mom
Beaner it’s me. We named you for the shape you curled up in as soon as you were born. Your dad’s favorite sandwich is peanut butter and anchovy.
Bean
That’s in my middle school yearbook. Public knowledge practically. I’m in 9th grade now.
Mom
The dog’s name is Humphrey and he is afraid of wool socks. Your grandma gives you black cherry ice cream and you always eat it even though you hate it…
Bean
Lots of people know that crap. Is this Jimmy? Gonna tell Aunt Marta you’re picking on me again and we’ll see how hard you laugh then.
Mom
Today you stared at Lucy Xiu’s braid as it swung behind her chair in front of you in Mr. Davis’s geometry class and when she turned to ask you a question you could taste the smell of her watermelon chapstick.
Bean
How did you know that? Who IS this?
Mom
It’s me. I’m your mother. I’m dead, my phone’s been donated, the number may even technically belong to someone else now…but I can use it to get through to you. Because you need me, Bean.
Bean
Whoa. Say you are Mom…what’s going on? Kinda freaking out.
Mom
Tough to explain…guess the best way to put it is: I got a chance.
Bean
What do you mean…a chance?
Mom
We can get chances…to communicate…to help someone we love.
Bean
I love you, too, Mom. Where are you?
Mom
I’m right with you, Bean.
Mom
Like electricity…like the particles in currents…
Bean
We didn’t get that far in Earth Sciences yet, Mom. 9th grade is kinda lame.
Mom
Oh it’s OK honey…it was more of a metaphor than an actual explanation…wish I could show you.
Bean
I’m signed up for the Science Club so maybe I can figure it out soon.
Mom
That’s fantastic news, Bean! So proud of you! Wanted to talk about school…
Bean
It’s fine don’t worry about it.
Mom
Bean I know it’s not fine and we need to talk. I’d talk to your dad but he’s part of the problem, isn’t he?
Bean
He’s the school principal. He was gonna ruin my high school career whether you were alive or not.
Mom
But he’s been drinking.
Bean
That’s one word for it.
Mom
Your father is attempting to numb his grief with alcohol.
Bean
He was doing it before you died.
Mom
I had cancer for a long time, Bean.
Bean
So what am I supposed to do? Just wait until he drowns himself one night?
Mom
You need to go to the school counselor, Bean.
Bean
Ms. Sherman hates me.
Mom
She doesn’t hate you. No one could hate you.
Bean
You’re just saying that cause you’re my mom.
Mom
Bean, she’s having an affair with your father.
Bean
Sorry Mom. But Dad! And Ms. Sherman! = GROSS!!!!
Bean
I know I know…They’re human.
Mom
Right. And if you talk to Ms. Sherman…
Bean
Maybe we can convince him to get help?
Mom
Yes. Because you can’t be living like you are…
Mom
When’s the last time Dad cooked you dinner?
Mom
It’s been since I died, Beaner. Almost a year now.
Mom
That’s not a meal, kiddo. And he’s been forgetting to buy groceries lately.
Bean
I go to Grandma’s a lot.
Mom
And another thing…you’re not going to like this…
Bean
Oh man just tell me.
Mom
You’re going to have to live with her for a while, Bean.
Bean
With Grandma? Out of state?
Bean
She doesn’t even know I’m alive anyway.
Mom
You should try talking to her…maybe keep in touch once you go to Grandma’s.
Bean
It’s too bad you weren’t this psychic when you were here, Mom.
Mom
I kinda was, Bean. A little bit. It’s a mom thing.
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