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An instant, “Nothing,” is his only response, making him look even guiltier.
I raise my eyebrows. He shakes his head in response. “Please, just drop it for now. We’ll talk about everything when you’re out of the hospital and feeling better.”
I feel like I’m missing something; I just don’t know what. I make a note to ask Charlie about it later.
I look over to Addy. “Where are you staying?”
“I’m staying with Andrew at his hotel.” She crosses her arms over her chest like she’s trying to hold herself together.
Her eyes fill with unshed tears. “I really hate him, Andrea,” she whispers.
“Me, too, but we won. We fucking won, and he’ll rot in jail for the rest of his life,” I say with so much conviction in my voice it seems to soothe her.
She rushes forward to throw her arms around me in a tight embrace. I wince a little, and she instantly pulls back.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
Andrew’s phone rings. He takes it out of his pocket and stiffens slightly before answering. “Hey” there is a brief pause then, “she’ll be okay.” His shoulders stiffen up even more before saying, “let me see if she’s up for it.” He looks over at me. “Mom and Dad would like to talk to you if you feel up to it.” Something about his tone is off, like he doesn’t want me to talk to them. I mouth out, “what’s wrong?”
Andrew only shakes his head and holds the phone out to me. I decide to let that go…for now.Andrew will have to answer all of these unanswered questionssoon.
My mind spins from what they must feel. Everything had to be a shock to them. “Of course, I want to talk to them.”
Andrew puts the phone on speaker so I don’t have to hold it up and places it on the bed next to me.
“Hey, guys.” My voice breaks.
“Andrea!” a high pitch wail comes from my mom. “Andrea, it’s your father. Are you okay?”
I chuckle slightly at that. Who else is it supposed to be?
“I’m better now.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” My mother’s concern morphs into an accusation.
Before I can answer, Dad answers her. “Katherine, honey, this isn’t the time.”
“Andrea when will you get out of the hospital? We’re going to book a flight out to see you.”
“We should be asking her when she plans to come home, Malcom!” My mother is becoming increasingly agitated. Suddenly, a bone deep fatigue sets in. This has been my mother my entire life, and I just don’t have the patience to deal with it right now.
“Okay, then! I’m doing just fine, you know, after your would-be future son-in-law tried to kill me for the second, possibly third, time! I don’t plan to leave anytime soon. So, if you want to see me, you’ll need to book that flight. I’m exhausted and need to rest. Love you both! Bye!” I hit the end button on the phone. Letting my head fall back against the pillow, I let out a big sigh.
“What the fuck was that?” Jack asks, perplexed.
Andrew replies for me. “That would be our wonderful parents. Sorry, Andrea. I just figured they would find another way to bug you if you didn’t just get it over with. We’ll probably head back tomorrow, and I’ll try to talk them out of visiting so soon.”
“Thank you, I’m not sure I can handle mom right now. I feel bad, but I don’t want that kind of negativity around me.”
I’m devastated that I feel that way, but it doesn’t change the reality. I’m done making everyone else happy at the expense of myself.
“We’ll handle Mom and Dad. Don’t worry about it,” Addy says.
“Let’s get back to the hotel to get some sleep before we need to go to the airport,” Andrew says to Addy. Nodding her agreement, they both come over to kiss me on the cheek.
Andrew whispers, “I’m so sorry, but I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.” It seems like a crushing weight sits on his shoulders.
“There’s nothing to make up for,” I whisper back.
