AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When I get home, my dad’s car is still missing from the driveway. No one is downstairs, so I head up to my room.
My mom’s crouching down in the hallway, cleaning up the Lego mess. “Did you have fun with Sydney?” she asks, glancing up.
I nod. “Where is everyone?”
She rocks back on her heels. “Maggie is out with friends. Regan is at a sleepover. Charlie and Chris are at soccer practice. Sally is showering and then we’re going to watch a princess movie before I have to pick the twins up. You’re welcome to watch with us.”
“Dad isn’t home?”
“No.”
“Is…everything okay?”
My mom exhales, then stands. She glances down the hall at the closed bathroom door. If I strain to hear, I can catch the rush of running water.
“I wanted to tell you this a while ago, Cassia. And…I alsoneverwanted to tell you this.”
Panic expands in my chest, heavy and suffocating as I stare at her. “What?”
“Honey, your dad and I are getting a divorce.”
I stare at her, uncomprehending.
“What?” I repeat.
“It’s just…not working any longer. Sometimes couples grow apart and there’s no solution.”
It sounds like a prepared line, and I realize that’s exactly what it is.
She’s beenpreparingfor this. Planning. Deciding.
And I’ve been living at home all summer with no clue that it was coming. Oblivious and not looking past the busyness torealize what was crumbling. What my mom just described is a typical schedule for my siblings.
Chaos can mask misery, I guess. It worked to hide my own heartbreak.
I’m listening as she continues talking in a quiet tone so Sally doesn’t overhear, tossing out phrases likedifficult decisionandwe both love you kids so much.
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.
