AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You and your mom seemed so tight.”
“We were. Like sisters… I didn’t know until after I had Bianca… that mothers aren’t supposed to be like sisters. She never really fought for me. She didn’t give up anything for me.”
“Not like you did for your daughter?” I finish her sentence and it coaxes her frown a little.
She nods sadly. “It’s what every mother should do. Even yours did.”
“Oh, mine… I don’t want to talk about her.” I dismiss her comment.
“She didn’t think I was what you needed. She fought for you. Even when she knew you’d hate her for it. Mine just dragged me behind her as she ran from her mistakes.”
“The grass is always greener, huh?”
“Sometimes, especially when you’ve got no grass at all.” she says quietly. She looks so tired. I hate that she’s had a rough time and that I’ve been sitting here twiddling my thumbs thinking she was happy.
“Anyway, Mom remarried. Lives in Atlantic City and we go visit a couple of times a year. Bianca looks a lot like her.” She smiles dreamily at the mention of her daughter.
“What’s she like, even though I feel like I already know her. All of those Christmas cards.” I nod over to the fridge again.
“And of course, she’s got a marvel for a mother.”
“I’m no marvel, Remi. I’m just determined.”
“Yes. You are. And you’ve never turned your back on anyone you love. If she’s learned that from you, then she’s incredible.”
“I think so. But I just love her and protect her. Who she is… is who she is. I’m so tired.”
“Where do you want to sleep? I have a spare bedroom. Or you can sleep with me.” I try to keep the desperation out of my voice. But I know I failed when her eyes dart away uncomfortably.
“I think the spare bedroom is best. I’m not sure…”
“Listen, there’s no pressure. Not from me. Really. That you’re here is enough. When you’re sure—say the word.”
She nods, but nar
rows her eyes, her gaze thoughtful and probing.
“Are you sure? I mean, it’s been a long time. I’ve changed—” I stop her with a finger pressed to her lips. She kisses it and her eyes flutter closed.
“See? Time’s has just gone by. But we’re still the same.”
“Yes,” her agreement is little more than a sigh. I pull her to me, wrap my arms around her. Her arms go around my waist and she rests her head on my chest.
There’s no space between us, and I could stay right here forever.
“We still feel each other. Want each other.” I press a kiss to the side of her neck before I run my nose along it.
She sighs, burrows deeper into me.
“When’s the last time you had a conversation like that? When’s the last time you didn’t have a single blip of anxiety?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Me neither. So, I’m sure. And when you are, Kal. Just say the word. But you have to know… that this time, I’m playing for keeps.”
27
I REMEMBER
