AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You were born here, so you have United States Citizenship. You have an identity and a social security number, they just are listed as deceased for the time being.”
“Is this like a social insurance number in Canada?”
“I would assume so. You will need it to get a job, credit cards, and bank loans. Buy insurance, purchase a house, a car...”
Oh okay, so I’m fucked is what you’re saying?
“Once Tim sends over his police report, we plan to file a motion with the Social Security Administration to reverse it, but it’s a slow process. It can take a while.”
* * *
I decided to stay at my parents’ house. Last night, my dad drove me back to my hotel to gather my belongings, and I canceled my reservation. I’m sure the hotel was relieved to free up one of their nicest rooms.
We just finished lunch, and so far everything is going really well. I’m surprised at how comfortable it feels to be here. I’ve loved catching up and meeting Jack’s family. His wife, Audrey, is incredibly sweet. I have a niece named Maddie that might be the cutest little girl I’ve ever seen, and a baby nephew, Liam, that I was able to hold for a couple hours yesterday while he napped.
I’m walking out of the washroom when I hear a muffled argument coming from outside, so I creep toward it until I see Jack on the front porch, he’s talking to someone on the phone. His back is to the window, so he doesn’t see me. Still, I withdraw into the corner to stay hidden. I can’t make out what he’s saying, but I hear “Birdie” a few times. Pretty sure he’s too old to call actual birds “birdies.” He better not be leaking my story to a morning show or some shit.
“Hey, hon”—busted—“would you mind running upstairs and letting me know if there are any sheets on the guest bed?” Mom and I both know this is a fool’s errand meant to divert my attention. I’m not about to cause any problems, though.
“Sure thing!”
When I reach the top of the stairs, I duck around one of the walls off the catwalk. Pretty sure I did this when I was little and wanted to stay up past my bedtime. God, the memories that are coming back... it’s wild.
Mom steps outside, and if I peek around the corner, it’s easy to see them talking on the porch from this vantage point.What are they saying?This looks so shady, eavesdropping on people. But after stalking them from my car and following Mom to the store the other day, it doesn’t seem so bad. When she turns to open the front door, I Pink Panther my ass into the guest bedroom and check that there are sheets on the bed before casually walking downstairs.
“Yup, they’re on the bed.” I pause. This is awkward. “Is everything okay? Maybe it’s best if I go back to the hotel for the night. If me being here is causing stress, I don’t want to—”
She side-eyes me. “What? Why? Because of that?” She points toward the front door where Jack is still on the phone. “No, honey, that’s nothing. Weallwant you here with us.” She sounds assertive enough.
“As long as it’s not a problem.”
She leans in to give me a hug. I get a lot of hugs around here.
“Oh, I almost forgot”—she brightens up—“Lonan is going to be stopping by for supper. He’s a part of the family. Do you remember him? The three of you kids used to be thick as thieves. He’s been dying to see you again. I told him it was okay, is that all right with you?”
“I remember some. And yeah, that’s fine. It will be good to see him again.”
TWELVE
Opening my car door, the smell of cold fresh snow and wood smoke from the chimney hangs heavy in the air. I gather my nerves and a bouquet of magenta peonies—it felt strange to show up empty-handed—and walk toward the house.
Jack has been acting fucking weird since Bridget came home. It’s like he’s gatekeeping her. He says they are trying to keep it “just family” right now. Well, then what the fuck does that make me? He wasn’t the only person to lose her. Since when am I not family? I lived with them for half my life. Lori must have heard us argue on the phone earlier today because she snatched it up and invited me for dinner herself. I can’t figure out what the hell his problem is, but it doesn’t matter now, he’s not my focus tonight.
I pause on the porch, taking a minute to prepare myself. She’s probably not how I remember her. She will undoubtedly look different and may have a different personality, and she might not be the sparkly ray of sunshine from before. After being taken, she’s most likely withdrawn or timid. Reuniting with everyone has to be stressful. Every part of me wants to bust into the front door and hug her, but Mom H already told me she doesn’t remember much of me.
I force myself to turn the door handle and push it open. The sounds of people laughing, fire crackling, and some light Christmas carols fill the space. Doesn’t matter how big this house is, it has always felt cozy.
“I’m home!” I holler.
As usual, Lori hurries around the corner and gives me a giant squeeze.
“Finally, all my babies are home under one roof!”
She’s positively glowing, I’ve never seen her so happy. She looks down at the flowers and pats my arm.
“She’s in the kitchen, I’ll send her out here so you can introduce yourself without an audience. Are you ready?”
“Been ready,” I lie.
