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For the rest of the hour, they talked, offering stories of the brothers’ childhood with their father. Alex had brought food, and the three snacked together like a family. Oddly enough, Charlie felt like the pieces to her puzzle were slowly coming to a finish.
As the heat rose, they called it a day and packed up. Rick helped Charlie up and dust out the remaining grass from her dress. Alex put away his water bottle and gathered the trash from their meal. They said goodbye to George Min and promised to return.
Rick held her hand as they turned, strolling in the opposite direction, until he suddenly stopped and cursed. Charlie looked at what he was pertaining to, and couldn’t help cringing at the unexpected visitor.
Far across in the walking path was Helen. A man stood behind her when she stopped in her tracks, meeting their gazes. Charlie couldn’t believe their timing. Why were they always running into her now?
Her modest gray dress matched her shoes. Dark hair pulled into a twist revealed the graceful glow of her delicate, well-maintained skin. So regal. She was definitely Rick and Alex’s mother.
“Fuck, she’s everywhere now,” Rick muttered. Alex stared, confusion running across his face.
“Who… is that her?” the younger brother asked. “Shit, I don’t really remember, but yeah. Looks like her.”
“Why is she here?” Rick asked. “She’s about ten years too late to show her respects.”
A realization hit her. “You said the anniversary of your father’s death is in a few days. Maybe she wanted to come visit when you aren’t here.”
“Yeah, she’s real talented at avoiding. I can’t believe she’s here now.”
Charlie felt Rick tense, and couldn’t read what Alex was feeling. Helen’s expression turned uncertain as she, too, looked to be battling with what to do next.
Finally, Rick stuck his hands inside his pants and broke the awkward stare-off. “I’m going back to the car.”
“You don’t think we should go talk to her?” Alex asked, stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“And say what?” Rick retorted. “Are we going to resolve decades of hurt in one discussion? I’m not interested. You can go, but I have better things to do.”
Torn, Alex sided with his brother as they walked together, steering clear of Helen. Charlie caught up with them and clutched Rick’s hand, stopping him.
“Rick, would you mind if Ispoke to her?” she asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “What are you going to say?”
“I’m not sure, but I think it’s necessary. You don’t want to face her, but I can do it for you.”
“I don’t need you to do anything for me.” Rick sighed. “I’m… not ready, Charlie. I don’t know if I ever will be, and I’m okay with that.”
She nodded. “I understand, but this would be for me. Maybe I won’t get a lot out of it, but I want something.”
Rick’s gazed pinned hers, the browns of his irises shifting as if a war was raging within. He squeezed them shut, then nodded his consent. “I won’t tell you no. If you want to talk to her, fine. I’ll be waiting in the car.”
“Thank you.” She moved in to kiss him. “I’ll catch up with you guys.”
Without another word, Rick turned and left with Alex. Charlie turned to see Helen watching her sons walk away before their eyes met.
Without a clear goal in mind, Charlie approached the older woman. She only remembered her as the lady she met briefly years ago, who had probably given her a cookie. Now, learning that this was Rick and Alex’s mother, Charlie didn’t know how she felt about her.
Injustice for Rick and Alex was a given. Pity, because although Helen was at fault, not everything was black and white.
She stopped a few feet from Helen, who gave her a small smile.
“Hello,” Charlie greeted with a little bow. She was unsure of how to address her. “Miss Nam.”
“Charlotte, it’s good to see you.”
Pleasantries would have to wait. There was no easing into the conversation, awkward as it was. She’d have to keep this short and sweet.
“Well, since we don’t need to dance around the subject. What are you doing here?” Charlie’s ambivalent tone was just how she wanted.
