AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thanks a lot,” I mutter. Not two seconds into Jason being here and she’s already dumping me in it. “Please sit,” I say as I lead him through to the living room.
“I didn’t realize your place was so big,” says Jason. I feel a twinge of guilt. It’s clearly a comment on the fact that he’s never been inside.
“You should come over sometime. “You and Marianne and the kids. We should do dinner.”
“Really? You want to do dinner?” Jason eyes me suspiciously.
“Why not?” I say. “It would be nice to spend some time together.”
“And where has my brother Lucas gone?” says Jason. He pretends to tap on my head. “Hello? Is he trapped in there?”
Chloe giggles at her dad’s silly behavior, and I can't help but crack a smile too.
“I’ve been reassessing what’s important,” I say mildly.
“I see,” says Jason. “These little mites got to you then, huh?”
“We were very well behaved,” huffs Chloe, offended at the idea that he might think otherwise. Jason raises an eyebrow and I nod.
“They were,” I confirm. “How was your trip?”
“Good. There’s still a lot of work to be done. But we’re getting the aid to where it needs to go. We helped a few people, and that’s what counts.”
I can’t think of anything else to say to that, but fortunately that’s when Noah and Ava choose to make their appearance. They both launch themselves at their father too, running over and giggling in joy to see him.
I feel a pang of yearning seeing the three kids crowding their father like this. I never thought I would miss them this much. I never thought I would miss them at all. But now Jason’s come to take them away from me and the part of me that wants a family, the part of me that’s been hidden for so long has ignited and can’t be turned off. I’ve seen inside now. I know I want more. I know I want Sophie back.
How is it that in such a short timespan she’s managed to find and break my heart?
At least I’ll be able to see the kids again. If I make an effort, I can be part of their lives now. That’s a comforting thought. “Stay for lunch,” I say. “Unless you have to get back.”
“No,” says Jason. “We don't have to be anywhere. I’d love to stay.”
“Uncle Lucas is really good with the microwave,” says Noah. “He knows exactly how long to put things in for.”
“That's written on the package, Sea Boy,” grins Jason. “But I’m glad he’s been feeding you.”
I’m surprised none of the kids bring up Sophie over lunch. I’m sure they must miss her as much as I do, which is a lot. But for the first time, possibly in my entire adult life, Jason and I are willingly sharing a meal and laughing. He’s telling us stories about his trip, showing us photos. He really cares about the crisis and helping the people who need it the most.
For the first time, I’m seeing how important his work is and realizing I want to know more. I’ve always assumed that meeting with him would be a chore. But it’s not. It’s nice. It’s what I think I’ve always wanted without realizing it.
A family.
CHAPTER 25
SOPHIE
I’ve been assigned to follow one of the senior archivists around while I get trained in the ways the museum works. His specialty is in bugs, which wouldn’t have been my first pick of subject, but it turns out that those things can be super interesting. I’ve never really thought about how many bugs there are in the world, but it turns out there are a lot. Some of them are really freaky with legs and wings and tiny little teeth. But I’m beginning to think that some of them are actually quite cute.
And though the work is fun, I get to go home at the end of the day and stop thinking about it. Most people would find that a perk, but it’s surprising how boring free time can be.
Every day, I go home. I sit and watch the TV. I read my book. And then I go to bed. I’ve readsomany books in the last week or so, and I’ve been getting so much sleep that my brain feels more awake and alert than it has in years.
What I need to do is find some new friends. I haven’t really had time for friends in the last few years, but now I spend every evening alone and unfocused, I'm beginning to get bored out of my mind. And with nothing better to think about, my thoughtskeep drifting back to Lucas. Who is the very last person I want to think about right now.
At the museum, my main job is shadowing Doctor Meier. He’s an incredibly focused guy and we spend a lot of time maintaining the collections that aren't currently on display. It’s surprising how much work goes into it, actually. Every day we get new exhibits in that we have to file and check over, and every day we open a new drawer and see what needs maintenance. My mind is so full of new knowledge. It’s like it's about to burst, but in a good way. I feel alive in a way I haven’t in years.
And then I go home and I sit there alone.
