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I sit down, lifting my eyes toward the graying sky, the plump clouds filled with rain about to burst.
“What happened?”
A sigh parts my lips. “Cameron’s acting weird and he hasn’t been home. Apparently, he is a busy man.”
“I’m sure he is busy. He is being attacked from every side. Even your father is worried. That has to mean something.”
Even my mother knows more than me. The knowledge twists my insides. Cameron’s family is cloaked in secrets. Secrets I don’t know, yet ache to be privy to. They might have welcomed me, but I’m still an outsider.
“How are you?”
“I’m not wearing my gloves.”
“That’s incredible. I am so proud of you.”
I haven’t made much progress either. I need a push from my husband to do that.
“How is Serena?”
“Asking about you and when she can come to visit.”
“I’m not there yet.”
“She loves you, honey. You’re her big sister.”
A groan filled with despair crawls up my throat. “Why don’t you want to understand, Mom?”
“Because parents would do anything to save their child’s life, but I wanted her just as much, Violet.”
I could deal with a lot of things, but not my little sister ever finding out the truth.
When we hang up, I take the path to Alessandra’s house. She has to know more about Cameron. I ring the doorbell, and their housekeeper lets me in.
Alessandra trudges down the stairs, still wearing pajamas and a despondent look.
I offer a small wave. “Hey.”
“Hi yourself.” She takes me in and her eyes widen when she notices my gloves are gone.
“Small steps. That’s the path to success.”
The housekeeper asks, “Can I get you anything?”
“A tea, thank you.”
She leaves us and we slouch on the U-shaped couch in the living room.
“Where is Leia?”
“Still asleep.”
“I know I’m not one of the girls, but I’m here for you.”
Tears well in her eyes. “I hate when Hayden does things like this. He’s still fighting on the front line. My only consolation is, if there is a man who would fight to come back home, it’s my husband.” A small smile spreads in the corners of her lips and she adds, “I knew what I was getting myself into, but you’re never prepared for it until you live through these moments.”
The friendly housekeeper places two cups of tea in front of us. Alessandra takes a sip, looking at me. “How are you?”
It never ceases to amaze me how much caring she possesses. “Cameron hasn’t been home in three days.”
