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No beads of sweat run along her temple or pebble on her lip. They’re steeled, whereas Lorna’s insecurities will blush under five coats of makeup.
“Our boys, so much energy, yes?” she notes, relaxing more as she leans back. Her legs are crossed but the one-foot kicks, rocking her chair side to side. “Such busy little boys.”
“This morning I almost somersaulted over Finn’s shoes.”
Her eyes warm.
“The other day I brought Cole to an overlook, and he nearly gave me a heart attack. I’d turned around for a moment and he’d taken off toward the edge.”
I chuckle even though I understand the momentary feeling of terror completely.
“Fearless, independent misters we’re raising, aren’t we?”
“Trying,” I note agreeing with her.
“Children, are such special treasures.”
Her fondness is genuine as her head tilts. The swinging of her chair now matches the movement of the pendant on the chain of her necklace. It moves, sliding back and forth smoothly as her hand grips the base shifting it back and forth.
“Treasures, terrors, same thing.”
The movement along her necklace stops, as her hand freezes then, in the open air. Something in her gaze is frozen and then she blinks, and it’s gone. Almost like she’s had a thought or an idea.
To what I’m not sure.
Her eyes meet mine again as a dryness falls over the room as both her feet find the ground, back straightening to a rod.
“How about your daughter?” The question comes from nothing. Eyes full of too much interest while mine thin at the intrusiveness.
I never brought that part of my life up with Silas. It’s too personal, fresh, even if it’s been over half of a decade. Besides Silas wouldn’t have any interest in my personal life so, it’s strange that Camellia does ask suddenly and without need. She gauges me as much as she is examining.
“A terror as well? No,” she concedes, retracting. “Surely not.”
I have no idea.
The thought crushes me, not that she sees, my face a neutral canvas. I can sense that she somehow knows anyway though.
Not that it matters, any of it. I did what was best. I kept them safe. Cut off Lillian like I had to. I did it to protectbothof them.
“Don’t be shy, Abram, tell me,” she presses.
I have the sudden urge to study my shoes at my own unease, but I refuse the denial. I did this to myself and I’m paying the price.
“She’s with her mother. Enjoying life, same as our sons, I’m sure.” Giving her something even if it’s barely anything.
Truth is I don’t have the slightest clue, Lorna made sure of that the day she forced me, threatening my hand.
“What about hobbies? Interests, I bet she’s bright and somewhat charming.” She gleams. The compliment forward but not in a strange way but more encouraging.
“Definitely,” I confirm, even though I have no idea. She has to be though, she’s the perfect combination of both Lillian and me.
“Did you call me in here only to talk about my daughter?” I question, feigning indifference even as I grow restless, the longer we stay on this topic.
She studies me and I know she sees right through my bluff.
“I didn’t originally, but now that we’ve gotten on the topic… I believe children are essential. They’re our future, our legacy. What will be left of us even after we’re gone.”
Her eyes are so sharp they could pierce straight through a shard of glass right now.
