AllFreeNovel
Share Us
All I can do right now is study my daughter. I take in her beautiful features, her little button nose, her dimpled chin, and flawless skin, because I never want to forget her. She’ll forever be a part of me. While I’m deeply saddened that her life was too short, she will be safe in the arms of the angels. She’ll never have to face pain in her life, and that’s the only comfort I can take from this ordeal now.
Chapter 9
Clark
Today is the day I’ve been waiting for for three whole years. I’ve wanted to see Kally in my house, using my things, treating the place like it’s her own. I’ve imagined her sitting on my couch, drinking her favorite coffee, laughing at something I said. Thinking about her was the only thing that got me through the last thirty-six months.
Today, that dream is coming true. I picked up Kally from the hospital thirty minutes ago, and I’m maneuvering us through the streets of New Orleans to get to my house on the outskirts of the bayou.
Kally has been quiet since we left the hospital, fiddling with the sleeve of her cardigan and staring out into space. Her life has been sent into another tailspin. I don’t know how she has found the strength the last few days. She has shown courage, even through the tears and anguish.
“Nancy said she’s going to have the perfect lunch ready for you when you get home.”
Kally nods. “I’ve missed Nancy’s cooking.” She smiles weakly.
Her beautiful smile doesn’t reach her eyes. That twinkle is gone. It pains me to know my family is the cause of that.
I pull into my driveway and type in the code at the gate. I don’t know why, but I’m nervous. I don’t want to do or say anything that will hurt Kally. It’s like we’re all walking on hot coals now. We all just want the best for our girl, but we’re unsure what the best is.
“I forgot what your house looks like.”
“A few minutes here and it’ll feel like you’ve never been away.”
I pull up outside my front door and get out to help Kally. She’s still sore, but she won’t admit that. I don’t want her to think she has to hide anything here. We’re nothing like my brother in this household. We’ll attend to her every need and then some. Whatever she needs she’ll have.
I open her door and help her out. Instead of linking my arm, she walks in front of me, still a little hunched over, guarding her stomach. Nancy comes to the door and runs over to Kally and envelopes her in her arms. This is the first time Nancy has seen Kally in three years. Well, she saw her in the hospital when she dropped her clothes off, but Kally was still out of it.
“Come on. I’ve got a big pot of soup, some cakes, and coffee all made for you. All your favorites, if I remember rightly.”
“Thank you, Nancy.”
I follow Nancy and Kally like a little lost puppy. I don’t know what to do. I might just let Nancy take over and mollycoddle Kally. A woman’s touch might be more comforting than mine.
“Welcome home, sweetheart.” Jared appears but keeps his distance. “If you need anything, just let me know. Nothing will ever be too much trouble.”
“Thank you, Jared.”
Jared nods at me and leaves my house without another word.
“I’ll just get your bags from the car and put them in your room.”
I leave quickly just to get some fresh air. It suddenly feels suffocating in my house.
“She’ll be okay, you know,” says Jared.
“I wish I had your confidence.”
“Time, love, and patience are all you need right now.”
I nod. “I should get her things into her room. Nancy is in her element having someone else to look after.”
“Give her a few days and she’ll have Kally feeling at home.”
I smile at that because I don’t doubt Jared. I know Nancy will be like a mother figure to Kally and help her settle in. I’m glad I have a support network that will accept Kally so easily. Everyone in my house loves Kally as much as I do. I just hope that’s enough to erase everything she’s been through. Love heals all, right?
Chapter 10
Kally
