AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He’s right. The accounting firm I work for made cutbacks recently. Of course I was the one who didn’t make it. Friday was my last day.
Damn. Why didn’t I lead with that? Say that last night was just me letting my hair down after losing my job? I could have explained the cocktails away easily. They’d have bought it.
I look back at their stony faces.
Or maybe not.
“Fine. Give me the details and I’ll look into it.” I turn my back on them all, unable to take any more of their grim, pitying looks.
I fetch out a knife, plate, some bread, and the peanut butter to make a sandwich.I unscrew the lid of the peanut butter and spread it over the bread.
“It’s in England,” Mom says.
The knife falls from my hand, clanging loudly against the plate.
“As in New England?” I turn to her.
“As in, the UK,” Brett says, staring at me as Mom watches me closely.
I look between the two and then to Harley, and finally Reed.
“You want me to go to England?” The room falls silent, the uncomfortableness thick and stifling as it weaves itself through the air.
“We think it will help you. A new place, fresh scenery, a break from here,” Mom suggests.
She doesn’t sound convinced herself, so why the hell should I be?
“You’ve already set this all up?” My mouth drops open as one guilty look between my sister and brother confirms it. “Fuck.”
“Rose!” Mom chides.
“You’re sending me away?” It makes perfect sense, though. I wouldn’t want me here either, after everything I’ve done.
“Of course not. We just want what’s best for you. We love you.” Mom’s voice reverts to its usual octave of helplessness tinged with heartbreak.
Maybe I should curse again. I would rather her be angry at me than feel her sadness radiating from her like a beacon in every word and look she gives me.
“You just need time, Rose. Time to find yourself again… toforgiveyourself,” she whispers with sadness in her eyes.
Time… if it were that simple.
Brett remains silent.
Reed is standing behind Harley. He loves her more than anything. It’s in his eyes, and my heart squeezes that she has found that with someone. It reminds me of the way Dad used to look at Mom. And how she looked at him.
I take in the two empty chairs at the kitchen table. One is mine. The other…
The Jacobs family.
One short.
I would do anything to fill that seat again. But that’s impossible.
I would also do anything to see Mom smile again.
One question leaves my lips, “When do I leave?”
“I’m going to miss you so much.” Casey swipes at her eyes again as she pulls back from our hug.
