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Helen paused, thinking about the answer.
“I’m here to see my—George,” she said as though it was a confession, and stared at the direction Rick and Alex left in. “I wasn’t expecting to see my sons here.”
“Are they? Your sons?”
Helen’s face fell, and she corrected herself. “I apologize. Richard and Alex.”
“What were you doing at my mother’s house?” Charlie asked. “Did you talk to her about me? And Rick and me?”
The older woman’s lips pursed. “Yes. When I heard about you and my s—Richard, I’ve already gotten a clue things haven’t been too easy. Grace tends to get… aggressive and shortsighted. I knew she didn’t approve.”
“Why do you care?” Charlie challenged. “Why now?”
“I can’t tell you why. If I said I cared, no one would believe me,” Helen said. “And that’s fair. I deserve that. I thought, if I could make things a little easier for Richard where I can, then I?—”
“—could sleep better at night? I think you’ve been doing that quite fine. You had plenty of chances to make things easier for Rick, and Alex, and especially your ex-husband. It’s all too little too late, isn’t it?” Charlie didn’t want to sound irate, but anger unwittingly came through thinking of Rick. “Were you expectingsomething out of helping us? Did you want Rick and Alex to come to you?”
Shaking her head, Helen hugged herself. “No, I didn’t. I know where I stand. There’s nothing I can say or do that will undo the wrongs I committed.” Pausing shortly, she looked away. “If you’re looking for a backstory that might justify why I left my family—there is none. It is exactly what it looks like. I was selfish and a coward. There’s no redemption story, Charlotte. And I don’t expect your kindness, either.”
Watching the older woman’s face dull into a shade of sage, Charlie had nothing to offer. Helen seemed to have accepted what she did, and a part of Charlie wished for a justifiable penance. And she may be a tremendous actress, acting like she was remorseful, but there was no use in pushing the matter.
Charlie thought to ask if she’d regretted it, but no answer would matter, anyway.
“After seeing you with Richard the other night, I asked around. Then I talked to Grace, told her to really think about her choices. I’m glad she came around. You seem to make him happy, Charlotte, and I wanted that for him.” Helen smiled sadly. “I’m sorry to say I don’t have more for you. Or for Richard and Alex.”
Since Charlie walked in with no expectations, she was satisfied with what she got. She couldn’t quite pity the woman but hating her was a stretch.
“Well, I guess I should thank you for… helping with my mother,” Charlie said politely. “At the moment, Rick isn’t interested in having a relationship with you. At least, not now.”
“I understand, and I wasn’t hoping for it. They looked to be doing well for themselves, and I don’t want to interrupt that by upsetting them.” Helen stepped closer, had the intention of reaching out to touch Charlie, but held back again. “I know you’ll do a wonderful job taking care of Richard. I hope it works out and, in the future, I’ll have news about your wedding.”
That painted a nice image, a wedding for her and Rick. Aceremony gathered with friends and family in support of the couple. But for the time being, she was done with weddings and questioned the integrity of family and support.
Maybe there won’t be a wedding at all. She was happy just being with Rick.
“I wish you well,” Charlie said, ending the exchange. “Take care of yourself.”
She said goodbye. Helen nodded slowly, her face an image of melancholy. Having aged finely, she still showed remnants of her youthful beauty. Charlie wondered what thoughts went in her mind when she’d decided to leave her family when she did. The older woman didn’t look like a cruel person, but it was difficult to judge by looks. If Grace smiled more, she’d look like a soft and loving person, and that thought almost nearly made Charlie laugh out loud.
Life never seemed what it appeared to be.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” Alex asked.
“Hell if I know.”
“I barely remembered what she looked like,” Alex said. “I think there was one old picture of her and dad, and it’s been years since I saw that.” He paused, then glanced at Rick. “You look like her.”
“I sure do,” Rick said dryly. “I’m one great looking son of a bitch.”
He didn’t mean for the ironic statement to hit straight in the stomach. No one wanted to hate their parents or think ill of them. They were supposed to be the heroes. Hate was too strong a word to fit what Rick felt. Lately, he’d succumb to not feeling much at all. His reaction to seeing Helen was milder this time, so that was an improvement.
Maybe he’d get over it one day, or maybe hewouldn’t. It wasn’t his priority to make well with her. Rick was very content with who and where he was. Everything was enough.
“Here she comes,” Alex said. “That was fast. Must have been a quick conversation.”
Rick turned to catch Charlie walking towards them. Her gorgeous sweet smile still illuminated under the bright sun, and that alone calmed him. Her hair was growing again, but he couldn’t care less about the length. The woman was radiant either way.
“How did it go?” his brother asked as Charlie stopped in front of them.
