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I left Mom in the laundry room and detoured to the living room because I heard Dad roaming around upstairs. I couldn’t explain why I was up early, so I turned on the television and cuddled on the sofa like I had been there all night.
“Abby,” Dad called softly as he passed by the living room. “Did you fall asleep on the sofa?”
I stretched and yawned and sat up. I rubbed my eyes for good measure. “Yeah, I did,” I lied through my teeth.
“Watching football with me and Tyson later Abby?” Dad asked.
“Not in this lifetime, Dad.”
He chuckled as he walked to the kitchen, none the wiser. Today I had to spend the day with my family although I wanted to see Cal. I had it bad.
I turned off the television and ran upstairs to my room. I texted Cal to see if he got in any trouble for coming home this morning instead of last night.
I’m fine. Mom and Dad trust me to make the right decisions. It’s different for a boy. They weren’t this lenient with the girls which my sisters point out regularly.
That’s just not fair. I agree with your sisters.
LOL. Did you get caught?
Mom. She’s cool but told me it can’t happen again.
I like waking up with you in my arms.
I’m sure your arms were paralyzed in that small chaise.
I don’t care Abby. I’d sleep with you anywhere.
I sent Cal hearts and kissy face emojis. He sent me another LOL.
What is the plan for today?
I need to spend time with the family. Maybe later I can see you if you want?
I want. I would spend every moment I could with you Abby.
I like that response Cal.
Good. Message me later. I’ll come get you. Hang out with you there. Whatever you want. Love you Abby.
I love you too.
I headed to the shower to get the hairspray out of my hair. Then I went downstairs to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. My stomach rumbling for food.
Mom put a bowl of oatmeal in front of me. She and Dad were making a grocery list. She was going alone. He had some work to do. He might be home on Sundays, but work was never far from his brain.
“I’ll go with you, Mom,” I offered.
“I’d like that Abby.” I had made her smile.
After breakfast, I grabbed shoes and a hoody and went with my mother to the store. Something that often terrified me. People were at the grocery store. I needed to start facing my fears head-on. Especially if I wanted to go away to college in two years.
We wandered aisle after aisle. Talking about Thanksgiving a month away. Grandma was coming to White Oak Creek and I couldn’t wait to see her.
Then I saw him, helping his mother who was riding an electric cart. She was probably about my mother’s age. Her hair like his color was pulled back from her face. She looked tired. Ill. Aiden walked beside her and put stuff into the basket that he pushed.
He looked ahead when Mom said something to me, then he saw me. His eyes immediately filled with anger and an unnatural hatred that I just didn’t understand. His right eye was encircled with a deep bruise like someone had hit him. A bruise, I was sure that he didn’t have Friday night or yesterday at the Cooper’s.
Mom moved ahead of me, leaving me behind. Then she realized that I wasn’t moving. “Abby, coming?”
