AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Figured what out?” Panic welled in Lando’s chest, but she had no idea why.
“That day…” Violet trailed off. “We’d only been living there five weeks at the time. That day, you left before me. Lots of times we left at the same time, but I went to Pittsburg and your mom went to the community college. She had a longer drive, and that day, I don’t know. She left before me. You left before me.”
“What are you saying?” Lando’s voice wavered.
“Lando, the day your mom died, the accident, I found you. The paramedics and police were all over that scene, but they didn’t have you and didn’t even know you were in the car. I knew she had you with her, she always did. You were never out of her line of sight. When I came up on the accident, it was only a few blocks from the apartment, and I saw you in your car seat. I found you.” Tears streamed down Violet’s cheeks. “I found you.”
“How did you…what are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I knew your mom. We weren’t good friends, but we were neighborly. I didn’t know her very long, and we were both caught up in school. She was a few years older than me I think, and I found you.” Violet sighed. “I can’t believe you’rethatHeather. I never thought I’d see you again, let alone have you as my student. I just… I never…”
“You found me.” Lando clenched her jaw. “Did you read the obituary?”
“It just had your first name in it. I always assumed it was to protect your privacy, and I didn’t go to the funeral. It was out of town, and I had classes, and like I said—I didn’t know your mom all that well. We moved in the same day, and any time I renewed my lease while I lived there, all I could think about was her.”
“You knew my mom.” Lando’s voice dropped at the end of the statement. “You probably knew her better than I did.”
“Never.” Violet’s hand was back on Lando’s thigh. “Never, Lando. You never left her sight. She always had you with her. She loved you.”
Tears stung Lando’s eyes, grief washing through her. She’d never known her mother, not in a way she could remember, but this woman, this teacher, sitting next to her had. She had that connection, the very real memories of someone Lando had longed to meet for years. “What was she like?”
Violet’s lips parted, but she stopped when the front door to the hotel room opened. Diane’s voice filtered through to them, joyous and a stark contrast to the mood in the bathroom. Violet squeezed Lando’s knee and brushed her own cheeks. “I’ll deal with her and give you a minute.”
Without another word, Violet left the small bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Lando was cast into the isolation of the room, the spinning emotions in her chest. It didn’t mean anything. Violet was young at the time, her own mother had been young. It was just some weird coincidence. Diane’s voice was shrill as she happily chattered in the other room.
“Where’s Lando? I want to celebrate!” Her tones were muted thanks to the door, but it was the stark reminder Lando needed that she had to get up and function.
“She’s just wrapping her arm up with some new gauze.” Violet’s voice was a welcoming comfort, calm and confident, and Lando clung to it.
Standing, Lando leaned over the counter and stared at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red from crying, her cheeks puffy, but overall she didn’t look too bad. Turning on the cold water, she splashed it on her face to try and get rid of any signs of what had happened only moments prior. As soon as her face was dry, she squared her shoulders and stepped out into the main area.
Diane looked excited, and Lando couldn’t help echoing her grin. Despite what had just happened, it had been a good day. They’d managed to do exactly what they’d gone out there to do. Diane wrapped an arm around Lando’s shoulders, tugging her in for a side hug.
“There you are!”
“Here I am,” Lando answered.
“How’s the arm? It didn’t get too wet, did it?”
“It did, but it’s fine.” Lando brushed it off, her gaze drawing immediately to Violet who had an open bottle of beer at her lips. They shared a look, one full of words neither dared to say. Lando nodded ever so slightly so Violet would know she was fine or that she would be shortly.
“Good! Because I have plans for us.” Diane grinned, drinking a long swig from her beer. “First, let’s get you a drink.”
“Oh, no thanks.” Lando shook her head. “I really shouldn’t with the pain killers and antibiotics. I think I have enough in my system for now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Lando stayed right next to Diane, not that she had a chance to move.
“Good.” Diane tugged Lando in tightly. “Aren’t you glad I hired her, Vi?”
Violet’s face revealed nothing, and Lando wished briefly she was able to control her features that well. Resting bitch face did have some advantages, but she was never someone who could manage that. She was so easily read.
“I am.” Violet’s voice was smooth, gentle, but also sincere. Which Lando had not expected. Ever since she’d been hired on, Violet had been a point of contention, and Lando hadn’t been sure they’d ever get over that. It seemed they’d made some progress at least. Lando said nothing as she stayed plastered against Diane’s side.
“Excellent.” Diane finished her drink, letting go of Lando so she could grab another one.
Lando took advantage and moved to sit on the edge of her bed, relaxing at having some distance between her and other people. She grabbed the water she’d left on the nightstand and took a long sip from that. She’d have to find some way to talk to Diane about getting paid soon, hoping it would happen sooner rather than later. At least she didn’t have to worry about a roof over her head, but food was another issue entirely.
