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I’ll have to tell Mom the truth,he replies.Or a version of it, anyway. I’ll tell her the singing front was a lie. I’ll tell her I’ve finally found a woman for me, but you and your mom need my help.
He’s finally found a woman for him.I shouldn’t let myself get all warm and tingly over this, especially when so much dread clings to me, but it’s like his words are all the brighter because of the darkness. I have to remember this is astoryhe’s telling his mom, a justification for bringing Mom here, not the truth.
Thank you so much, Elio,I type.I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for this.
You don’t need to thank me,he replies.I’m going to keep you and your family safe. I’ve already failed once. I’m not going to fail again.
You didn’t fail. Dad’s death isn’t your fault.
The sad truth is Dad’s death ishisfault. My emotions are so confused right now. Dad got us into trouble with loan sharks and then vanished, leaving us defenseless. If it weren’t for Elio, I’d have no way of finding Mom. I loved Dad, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive him for that, even after his death. Does that make me a terrible daughter?
I won’t be able to text for a while now,he replies.Try not to drive yourself crazy. I’ll let you know when I’m bringing your mom home. I think she may need to go to the hospital first, so it might take a while.
As long as she’s safe, that’s all I care about,I send.
We’re heading in soon. Stay safe, angel.
And you, Elio.
I can’t keep up my casual texting with Charlotte once I know Elio’s mission has started. There’s too much fear drumming through me. Mom is high as a kite, could possibly OD, and if the meth heads decide to kick up a storm…
Closing my eyes tight, I imagine a different future. I see myself standing in a room full of light. Mom’s sitting with a baby in her lap, looking so healthy and full of life—both of them, my child and their grandmother. More children run around, their happy footsteps like the world’s best backing track. Then my husband walks into the room, my Elio Marino, dashing and silver-haired with those intense eyes. Even after all the years we will have spent together by then, he’s completely captivated when he looks at me in the fantasy.
* * *
I spring to life when my phone rings. I haven’t been sleeping, exactly—I don’t think I’d be able to—but I’ve been disappearing into fantasy after fantasy. When I see that it’s Elio, I answer quickly.
“Yes? Hello? Is she safe?”
There’s a long pause, and then I hear Mom’s voice. I can tell she’s crying. “Oh, Scarlet.”
“Mom?” I yell. “Are you okay?”
“Your friend is driving me home now.” She sounds out of it and distraught at the same time, her voice torn. “I’m so sorry. I can’t even… I tried to find your dad, but I lost my pills. These damned pills. I’m done with them.”
“Mom, do you know… about dad?”
“Yes,” she whispers. “Elio told me. Well, I demanded to know. I need to tellyou something, but that can wait until we’re together. I’ve not been a very good mother.”
“Mom—”
“It’s the truth,” she snaps. “I’ve let Philip lead us on a merry dance. I’ve ruined your childhood. I’ve let you work to support our family whenIshould have been. When you needed me most, I decided to get high instead. Scarlet, I’ve been a terrible mother, but I can do better.”
I wipe a tear from my cheek. “I love you, Mom. That’s never changed.”
“I love you too,” she replies, “but sometimes, more than love is needed.”
“You’re a good mom,” I tell her.
“No, Scarlet. I’ve been a terrible mother, but Icando better, and that’s the point. We’ve got a lot to talk about when I get home. Well, to Elio’s apartment. One thing we need to talk about is exactly how you got involved with this man.”
I swallow. “I’ll explain when I see you. I love you.”
She says I love you again, and then I hang up. I can’t lie down after talking with Mom. Standing, I pace up and down, anxiety twisting through me. Despite what happened to Dad, I’ve got a big smile on my face. I’m grinning like a loon. Mom is safe. That’s the most important thing.
About thirty minutes later, the door opens. Mom is wearing a hoodie two sizes too big—given to her by Elio or somebody else—making her look small and vulnerable. Her hair is tied up. She looks young and lost. Rushing across the room, she falls into my arms. I hug her fiercely, looking over her shoulder and seeing Elio in the doorway.Thank you, I mouth.
He nods, meeting my eyes with heavy emotion. “I’m going to explain to Mom,” he says, shutting the door.
