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“Does Dad know?” My voice trembles.
“Hell no. He’s still a mess from those horrible pictures.”
“You know that was Courtney. She had some private investigator stalk Freddy and… I’m sorry, Mom.”
“It’s a violation. That was evil what they did, and I do know that. Your dad does, too, a little bit, but he’s so distraught about the audacity of Freddy and you being together.”
“I know, I can imagine. Dad loved Freddy so much.”
“Yes. He has a lot of love for Freddy. I don’t think it’s completely gone, or none of this would be hurting him so badly, but Sadie… I’m not here to preach about having sex with… whomever.” Mom tosses her hand in the air. “I do want to know what you are going to do. Do you know Sadie? Does Freddy know?”
“I’m going to be a mother.”
Mom’s face tightens as she starts shedding tears. I’m not sure if they are happy tears or what, but she does walk toward me. I stand up, so we can embrace. I could use a thousand hugs. Mom holds me so gently, intentionally, as her hugs are typically bone tight or sideways. This hug is so tender that I, too, start to cry. I soak her shoulder as she rubs my back. I know I’m not the easiest to have as a daughter, but Mom raised me to never be ashamed of who I am. And her words always follow me wherever I am. I don’t fit here in Hillpike, and Mom has always known that, if not felt it.
I lift my head from her shoulder, and she wipes my tears away with the pressure of her thumbs. She holds my face, begging for eye contact. I give it to her.
“I plan on telling Freddy today,” I say.
“Well, are you coming home?”
There’s a restlessness in Mom’s voice. She really is trying her best not to be too overwhelming. I get a lot of my impatience from her, so I get it.
“I’m not sure, Mom. If I’m not home, trust that I’m fine. Better yet, I’ll text you, but Hillpike has my images all around town. I can’t imagine roaming around like everything is okay. Especially being pregnant.”
“I promise I won’t say anything to Dad. That’s for you to do in your own time. But I am here for you. You have to know that in your heart. Things are sloppy, and yes, I am embarrassed, but I do understand what you choose to do in your life is your business.”
I walk Mom to the car as she holds my hand tightly. I keep the positive test for myself. I guess there’s a reason I left it behind. My heart is a lot lighter knowing Mom isn’t only there for me but respects me enough to let me be the driver of my life.
Flora slips my food out of the microwave when I get back inside.
“You have a good mother,” she tells me, setting my plate into my hands.
I take a seat. “Thank you. I think that’s why I feel I’ll be a great mom.”
“Freddy will be here soon.”
Shit, she’s right. I hurry to finish my food and hop in Flora’s shower. Her bathtub is lined with mini glass bottles filled with whatever concoctions she’s thought of. I’m curious if there’s one that makes situations less stressful. Maybe there’s one I can douse on myself that promises a happily ever after. Trying to find a reason why Freddy would be okay with being a father again is hard. He’s got so much to deal with having Courtney as his ex-wife, and to imagine he doesn’t even have a home right now. I try taking deep breaths to cool my thoughts, and I have to believe they are working for them to work.
“He’s already out there!” Flora hollers as I struggle to get my clothing on.
I have about three outfits, toiletries, my journal, and the crystals Flora gifted me. When I leave the bathroom, Flora hands me a small baggie.
“You open this when you reach your next destination. Don’t worry about it now.”
She gives me a warm smile and a tight hug before she opens her screen door.
Standing by the opened passenger door, Freddy’s lips parted as if eager to speak. His eyes seared through me as if he was trying to do what Flora does so well, peek at my thoughts. I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders as we hold eye contact. I give him a gentle smile, and before stepping into his truck, he wraps his arms around my lower waist for a warm hug. I tingle. My entire body shifts as if Freddy’s been the one missing ingredient to successfully get me in a better mood. It could be that we share this Hillpike embarrassment and have been shunned out of town.
“So glad to see you.” He pecks my cheek and guides me into the truck.
I send Flora a wave, and she responds with one back. Freddy hops in on his side and directs us out of town.
“We have to be grateful for our town’s witches, huh?” Freddy snickers.
“She’s awesome in so many ways.”
“How are you feeling, Sadie?”
