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Iwas angry and frustrated about how things were going between Zoey and me. I had thought over time whatever I felt toward her would fizzle out, but that wasn’t the case. If anything, it was getting stronger. Since avoiding her wasn’t cutting it, and after that kiss at my workplace, I decided to quit running. She fucked up, true. But that didn’t mean I had to punish her forever for it.
Quite unfortunately, I realized it too late as it would appear that she’d begun her own round of tactful avoidance. She spent her time locked up in the room and only ever showed her face when the kids needed her. Eva also reported that she hadn’t been eating well, and I felt terrible. I was angry for feeling bad for her. It was she who lied to me about something as important as a child. Seven years of our lives have gone to dust because of what? Because she had so little faith in me and also because she was selfish. I felt an impending headache as I continued to ponder on Zoey Carter and what she was doing to me.
Buzz!
‘Hello Adrian. Congratulations on your wedding, pained that we didn’t get an invite but I’m so glad that you’re finally moving on. Sadly, mom’s condition has deteriorated, and she’s been asking to see you. Think you could make a quick trip down? I know it’s so last minute but please, it is of utmost urgency. Hope to see you soon. -Love, Sammy.’
I sighed as I finished reading the text. I had put off going to check up on Malory for way too long. It was partly due to the guilt I’d felt at making him for leaving the kids with her for such a long time and partly because I couldn’t bear to see anyone else, I loved in pain. But I was done and ready to face it head-on. The girls were still fast asleep when I quietly made my way out of the house. Not before a quick visit to the kitchen, where I grabbed an apple for breakfast and informed Eva of my whereabouts so she could pass the message to ‘my wife.’
The trip to Gainesville was short and, surprisingly, uneventful. I listened to the entire “Dawn FM” album by The Weekend and sang along. It felt good to momentarily tear my mind away from worries and the rollercoaster that my life had become. An entire car ride and carpool later, I was pumped and ready to face anything or anyone.
I grabbed the bouquet of flowers I’d stopped by to buy on my way and locked the car door. Her room, unlike the previous time, was easier to locate as I bumped into Sammy in the lobby.
“Hello, married man,” she greeted as we shared a warm embrace. Were it anyone else, I would say she had something against me or my new marriage, but it was Sammy, and she’d always been jovial like that. “Married life must be treating you nice. How are my nieces? God, I miss them.”
“You could have come visit.”
“I know. I should. It’s just between tending to mom and work, I’ve barely even had time to myself.”
Her eyes showed exhaustion. I guess anyone would be in similar circumstances. “I’m so sorry for not being more helpful.”
“Nope. Not at all. I know the girls are a lot to deal with, and honestly, Mom does too. Although, she kind of feels bad about the wedding.” My brows arched in concern. “No. No. Not in the way you think. She thinks you didn’t tell us because you feel bad for Dana. Now, I’ve said too much. Let’s just go in. She’s dying to see you.”
She pulled me along through a long hallway. “Do you think she’d agree to come to John’s Creek? I could treat her at Vitality. That way, I’d be able to monitor her.”
“Honestly, I suggested it, but she wouldn’t hear it. Something about you being her son and how she could never see you as a doctor.” She gave a dry chuckle. “Total bullshit if you ask me. Anyway, you’re gonna make me lose a hundred.”
“What do you mean?”
“We had a bet. She said you’d bring a huge rose bouquet. Do you guys have some weird link?” she asked as she stopped in front of the room. “Heads up, she’s a literal mess, so…”
She pushed the door open, and I was greeted by the sound of monitors. I looked around, and there were four beds in the room. Three were occupied, and the chiming sound was coming from the corner of the room opposite Malory’s.
“Look who’s here,” she clapped excitedly. Her face lit up when her gaze fell on the bouquet I was holding. “Bitch, give me my money.”
Sammy rolled her eyes and fished for a note from her pocket. She held it out to Malory, who snatched it and put it in the pocket of her hospital dress. “Told her you’d bring those. Let me have it,” she said in a tone that strangely reminded me of Aurora and Rose. It was with the same childlike innocence that she buried her nose in the bouquet and sniffed. “Smells nice. Come sit, Aiden.”
“Mom, Adrian.”
“That’s what I said.”
“I’m so glad you’re happy, young man. You made Dana happy, and I’m sure that wherever she is, you have her blessings and mine. Please do not feel bad on our account, okay?” I couldn’t hold back the tears as they fell down my face. “Why are you crying like a little girl, huh? Save the tears for my funeral.”
Back in thelonely comfort of my study, I groaned as I remembered how frail Malory’s hands had felt holding mine. “Next time, bring the girls and your girl,” she had said before falling into a deep slumber.
I grabbed the glass and took a swig of the liquid, basking in the heat traveling down my throat. I needed something to kill the numbness I had felt since I walked out of that hospital room. Something to ease the ache when it eventually came. Since Dana’s demise, I had completely avoided the topic altogether. Burying myself first in work and now in the crazy drama surrounding my life. I hadn’t actually properly grieved her. Something about seeing her mother—sweet, active Malory—completely drained of life had triggered something within me. Something I had locked away for a very long time.
I let my mind travel through happy memories. Our first date, our first kiss. The beautiful proposal and the day she found out she was pregnant. They were fond memories, and I wouldn’t forget them for a long time.
The creaking of the door startled me, and I lifted my head to glare at whoever was responsible. My eyes settled on her small frame, and I hurriedly wiped my tears. “What do you need?”
“Nothing. Is this a bad time?”
“Yes!” I bellowed, making her flinch. But she wasn’t intimidated as she took a few steps closer. “You’ve been holed up in here since you returned from your trip. Is everything okay?” I ignored her and took another swing of my drink. “The girls were asking of you, but I assumed you were busy, so I put them to bed.”
She was annoying the hell out of me. Can a man not just grieve in silence?
Angrily, I downed what was left in my cup and poured another glass. I had only succeeded in raising it when she was at my side, like a bolt of lightning, snatching the glass out of my mind.
