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Nick
When I hear the wordmuerta,I dive forward, wrapping my body around Leigh. Abuelita is screaming and crying on the floor next to her as Leigh’s body shakes. She’s crying and cursing through angry sobs. But as I squeeze her to me, I feel the anger drift away as heartbreak consumes her.
My heart is pounding. I have no idea what to do. I look between the two of them, their pained cries and my blood pumping are the only sounds in my ears.
I’m not equipped to handle this.
Leigh’s hand is wrapped around my arm so hard her fingers are white and my skin is turning red. Can’t move. Can’t do anything, but I know I need help. With my free hand, I fish my phone out of my back pocket and start typing a text to my dad.How the hell do I even say this?
Me: I don’t know how else to say this, but Leigh’s mom died. They just found out. They’re both on the floor crying. I don’t know what to do. I can’t talk on the phone right now, but I need help.
I get an immediate text back.
Dad: Okay to tell everyone else? I’ll get a hold of everyone. We’re all here to help.
Me: That’s fine. Please. I can’t handle this on my own.
Dad: I’ll take care of it and I’ll see you soon.
Me: I love you, Dad.
Dad: I love you too. Call or text me if you need anything specific.
Me: Will do.
I slide my phone to the side and adjust my position, coming to sit on my butt instead of my knees. I pull Leigh against me, then reach out and wrap a hand around Abuelita’s, but nothing calms either of them.
How could it?
She may not have been there for them, but they still loved her. I know how I’d feel if my biological father died. All the lost moments. All the anger, confusion, and pain it would bring.
I press my lips against her temple and whisper how much I love her. I don’t know what else to say. I just need her to know I’m here.
Abuelita and Leigh are still sitting on the floor when Veronica sweeps into the apartment. It hasn’t even been ten minutes since I texted with my dad, but damn, he rallied the troops fast.
She meets my gaze as she drops to her knees next to Abuelita. One hand running over Abuelita’s back, she whispers, “Elena, I’m so sorry. Come here.” She loops her arm under Abuelita’s and carefully guides her off the floor and over to the couch as I do the same with Leigh.
“My baby girl,” Abuelita mutters. “Oh, my baby.” She sniffs as Veronica leans down and hugs her tightly.
I sit Leigh on the couch and grab a blanket for her. The second I’ve tucked her in, she yanks on my arm, pulling me down next to her. She nearly climbs onto my lap as she burrows into me. I wrap an arm tightly around her, trying to soothe her—though I know nothing completely will.
Veronica puts a box of tissues on the couch between Leigh and Abuelita, then busies herself in the kitchen, making tea.
Leigh wipes a hand over her face, swiping tears from her cheeks. “I hate her,” she breathes. “And I hate that I love her.”
“I know,” I whisper back before kissing her head.
The door opens again. This time, Maia and Vince walk in. Maia’s eyes are set on Leigh, but when she sees Veronica, they both stop, the weight of the moment hitting them. Veronica stops what she’s doing and walks over to Maia. They share an emotional hug, then Maia comes over to the couch.
As she sits down, she grabs Leigh’s hand and leans in toward her, but Leigh stays resting against me like she’s glued there.
Maia kisses the side of Leigh’s head and simply whispers, “I love you.” Leigh doesn’t say anything, doesn’t make a noise, but her grip on Maia’s hand tightens as another tear slides down her cheeks.
Vince squats in front of Leigh and squeezes her thigh. “That goes for both of us.”
Again, she doesn’t say anything, but her eyes meet his as a silent acknowledgment is exchanged.
Veronica brings some tea over as we continue to sit in silence.
When the door opens next, Braden walks in. To my surprise, Leigh lets go of Maia’s hand, peels herself off me, and walks over to Braden, who pulls her into a bear hug.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispers. She nods against his shoulder and squeezes him a little tighter before letting go and looking down.
“I should put pants on.”
Then she turns and walks down the hall. For a second, we all stare. Then, one by one, we follow her.
