AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Not a single word is registering or reassuring.
I’m watching an integral part of my world tumble down around me, powerless to do anything except watch it take place.
“Did Dad cheat?” I ask. “Is that what all the work trips this summer have been about?”
“No, he didn’t cheat,” she answers. “We separated in the spring. Your father’s jobhasbeen especially hectic.” My mom hesitates. “And…he’s also looking into some other living arrangements.”
“Living arrangements where?”
“Nearby. I believe he toured a unit in the building where Holden’s aunt lives.”
“Does anyone know that you’re separated?”
“I told your grandmother. I’m guessing your father confided in some work colleagues as well.”
I’m suspicious of the way she sayswork colleagues.
“You don’t know there’s someone else, or you know there’s not?”
Her silence answers for her.
The lump in my throat won’t disappear, no matter how many times I swallow. That’s worse thanwe’re having problemsorthings might not workout.Different residencesandseparated since springsounds very permanent. So does a silence that suggests my father might have already moved on.
“I don’t know what to say,” I admit.
“You don’t have to say anything, sweetheart. I’ve been debating on what to say, when to tell you. I wanted to tell you in person, and you don’t usually come back from campus before Thanksgiving…” She sighs. “There will probably be some changes by then.”
Changes…like my family looking totally different from how it’s been for the past twenty-one years.
“You mean Dad will have moved out?”
“Most likely.”
My nod is slow. “I’m…I need to go.”
“Go?” Alarm threads through her voice. “It’s getting late. Where are you going, Cassia?”
I head for the stairs. “I just need some air.”
“Honey, I’m sorry you’re so upset.”
“How am I supposed to feel?” I snap. “Happy?”
My mom is silent.
I exhale. “I’m sorry. This is why, I just need to… I need a minute.”
“Okay. Make sure you take your phone.”
I nod, reaching into the bag on my shoulder for my keys. I pull out the box blocking them without thinking, intent on getting out of here as quickly as possible.
My mistake doesn’t occur to me until I hear my mom’s sharp inhale. When I look over, her eyes are focused on the pink pregnancy test.
“Oh, Cassia…”
“It’s not mine.”
“Honey…”
