AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Fine, but still let me sort this out," I request.
"Okay if you insist. But if you're not able to sort things out and you think the situation is getting out of control. I'm one call away," she says, showing her concern.
"I know, I'll keep that in mind," I reply.
"Great. I have to go now," she says.
"That's not a problem," I reply.
"Talk to you later, bye,"
"Bye." I place my phone on the table and hold my head in my hands. staring at the screen, trying to figure out the next steps. I'm deep in depth, and if I don't find a job soon, I might not even have a roof on my head.
My thoughts drift to my childhood, where I never experienced the fatherly love I saw other kids have. The best moments of my life were falling in love with Jeffrey and finding out I was pregnant with his child. John took those moments away from me by separating me from Jeffrey. Since Michael's birth, he has been my sole attention. I vowed to ensure he receives as much love as possibly from me. He only has me, and I won’t neglect him as my father did to me.
I waited patiently for years, hoping to reunite with Jeffrey. However, when Jason died in the ghastly accident, I realize I lost Jeffrey too because he was about to get married. I didn't want to ruin what he has with his new wife. A bittersweet smile graces my lips as I imagine how happy he will be with his family. He deserves it and more. I know Michael will still have to meet him at some point, but I don't think the time is now. I want Michael to be able to make that decision after I tell him everything.
I snap out of my thoughts when my phone starts ringing again. I reach out, wondering why Mabel is calling again. However, I stop when I realize it's not Mabel but unknown number.
My heart starts racing, hoping it’s a call from one for the companies. I quickly answer the call.
"Hello,"
"Phebe," I freeze when I hear Aunt Maryann’s voice. She’s one of the few relatives I still stay in touch with occasionally. She doesn’t know the full story of why I left town.
"Aunt Maryann?" I need to confirm if I'm hearing correctly.
"Yes darling, it's me Maryann," she confirms.
"How are you Aunt?" I ask, and there is a long silence.
"Hello, are you there?" I ask.
"Oh, Phebe, you need to come back home. He is dead," She announces. I don't need to ask who she’s referring to; it’s John. I feel numb upon hearing the news.
"When?" I ask calmly.
"Yesterday afternoon," she says with a shaky voice.
"Okay,"
"You need to return home for the funeral," she urges, and I freeze. Returning home means Sausalito. My fears rush back to me; I don't want to go back to Sausalito, not with the knowledge that Jeffrey is still there. I don’t think I'm ready to face him again.
"Aunt Maryann, I can’t," I tell her.
"Come on dear, I don’t know what happened between you and your father, but you need to put it behind. He is dead, and at the very least, just show up for his funeral," she pleads.
"Please think about it,"
I release a sigh before responding, "I'll think about it and call you tomorrow," I promise.
"Thank you, my darling. I'll be expecting your call," she says.
* * *
I can’t believeI’m here again after all these years. I stand frozen as John is being lowered into the ground. After giving it some thought, I decided to attend his funeral. I arrived last night solely for the funeral and leave immediately afterward. He doesn’t deserve any of this, not even a last respect, but I couldn’t bear to leave Aunt Maryann alone in all this. I glance around; there are about eight people present, plus the minister. I’m not surprised; John never had a thing with people.
“It is done,” I tense when I hear Aunt MaryAnn’s voice. My eyes are covered with dark shades, so she can’t see how emotionless I am about all these. I turn to face her and offer a wry smile.
