AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah,” he says.
“You don’t have to go see them atall, you know.”
“I do it for Dad. Because he workshard, and he does care. And I do it for Ximena.”
“Your dad could come see you.”
“I’m afraid he’ll bring Mom and Idon’t want him to. I want my space to be mine and free of Mom’seyerolls and sneering.”
“Then tell him not to bringher.”
He doesn’t respond, just looks atour interlaced fingers, turns our hands around, inspects themintently. “I’ll think about it,” he finally says.
“My heart hurts for you,” I say. Iwant to make it all better, but I know I can’t.
“It’s okay,” he responds. “I’mused to it. But your being there meant everything. I actually sleptand had fun, and didn’t think about Mom hating me.”
“You deserve so much more.”
“Perhaps. Perhaps I did get what Ideserve.” He looks me in the eye and smiles.
Chapter Seventeen
Chris
Chris: How’s it going,Dad?
Dad: Good to hear from you,son. Mom and I are fine
I enjoyed meeting Roxie. I’m gladyou brought her
Chris: She enjoyed meeting you,too
She said to say hi
Dad: That’s nice of her
I feel we didn’t get to see youmuch during your visit
But I’m glad to see yousmitten
Chris: Roxie or not, I don’tthink we’d have had more time together
I would’ve just been alone thewhole time
Dad: That’s not true
Chris: It is, but it doesn’tmatter
That’s not why I’m writing
I wanted to say I would like youto come see me here in Madison sometime
Dad: I’d like that, too, butyou know your mother doesn’t like to travel
Chris: I know that and I don’twant her to come
Dad: Son
