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“Yikes. That must be so terrible, just sitting there waiting for death.”
“It is terrible. My heart is breaking for them.”
“How are you holding up going through all of this? You lost your dad, and now you have to lose Chase’s dad.”
“I’m trying to be strong for Chase. He’s going to need it.”
“You can’t be strong for everyone, Xena. Don’t bury it inside. You’re allowed to cry and feel sad about it, too.”
“I know.”
“Chase won’t feel like celebrating,” Shelly admitted.
“No. I’m sorry. I know you were hoping we’d be there for the party.”
“It’s okay. I get it.”
“There will be plenty of parties in the future. Don’t you worry.”
“I know, I know.”
“Okay. Let me go see where he is. He was supposed to be over here by now. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
Christmas was over as quickly as it had arrived. Though it was the first Christmas without my father, I spent my first Christmas with a new family. The Brooks’ house was filled with laughter and love. I felt sad, but focused my energy on enjoying the moment for them. If they could ignore the dark skies ahead, awaiting them beyond the holiday, then I could forget about my own storm that was behind me.
I looked at my phone. It was twenty minutes past the time Chase said he would be over. I peeked out the kitchen window to see who was home in the house below me. My car was the only one sitting out front. I slipped into my sneakers, and swung my jacket around my shoulders as I trotted down my stairs. Strangely, their door wasn’t fully closed when I reached the front of the Brooks’ house. I pushed it open and stepped inside.
“Hello? Your front door was open.” I did not hear high-pitch squeals from Khloe; I did not hear the television; I did not hear anything. I searched the kitchen and dining room. Nothing. I climbed the stairs by twos. All of the bedroom doors were open, but no one was inside. Still, there was not a sound. I went back downstairs, as a sinking feeling swept over me.
There was no note. No explanation. None was needed. I knew what this meant. I ran out the door, and down the driveway. I swung myself into the driver’s seat of my car and started the engine.
In what felt like seconds, I was running through the Emergency Room doors. I saw Tanner – the dark-haired boy with broken eyes sitting in a chair.
When his eyes rose up to meet mine, I did not have to ask. I did not say a word. I knelt on the floor in front of him, wrapped my arms around his shoulders, and he buried his face in my sweatshirt. I held him as he sobbed. Tim was gone.
He pulled away, reaching into his pocket to for his vibrating phone. “Yeah. She’s here.” He shoved the phone back into his pocket, and wiped his eyes quickly with his hands. “Mom is coming down with Khloe.”
I felt the knot twist deeper into my stomach. I sat on the edge of the seat next to him, our eyes fixed on the double doors ahead. I didn’t know what to expect, from either of them. I wondered how Chase was holding up.
Beverly emerged, carrying Khloe in her arms. “Thank you for coming,” she said as she approached.
Khloe turned her head to see me. Her big eyes were red as she reached her arms out for me.
I held her tight, wishing I could absorb her pain into my own body. I was used to it. I could take it. She didn’t have to go through this.
“Merry,” she whispered with her head on my shoulders. “My daddy went to heaven, like yours did.”
“I am so sorry, angel girl.”
“Do you think he will see your dad? Do you think he knows what he looks like?”
I smiled as the tears spilled down my cheeks into her hair. “I think he will see my dad up there. I think they’ll be good friends.”
“I do, too.” She sighed.
Beverly touched my arm. “Do you mind taking her for a little while? She shouldn’t have to stay here for this part.” One tear escaped her eye, which she swiftly swatted away. “I don’t know who else to ask.”
