Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 58

"You still have me, kid."

As Conrad spoke, he patted the back of my head gently with his large hand before letting me go.

Even though I was never a crier, I could feel my tears suddenly rushing to my eyes and falling down my face.

I couldn't even stop them if I tried.

I didn't want the tears to actually fall. That would betray me.

I desperately tried to hold my tears in, but they refused to be held back. In fact, they flowed even more heavily the more I tried to stop them. All I could do was look away and refuse to let him see my pathetic display of feelings.

Conrad softly caressed my hair with his large hand. "It's not embarrassing to cry in front of me, remember?"

He had told me that once before."

He was reminding me of that again.

However, that situation was preying on the only bit of dignity I had left. I turned around so my back was facing him and quickly wiped my tears away.

was trying to do and picked up my suitcase. "I'll

covered my face with my

tears to pour down

kitchen. Their joy at their son's return had outweighed the sorrow

red, swollen eyes, and I didn't want them to try

the car while staring off into the distance.

saw me, a mild smile tweaked the corners of his mouth. "Do

me to fetch you?"

a smile. "You haven't been here in four years. The town has changed a lot. You're going to get lost." His smile widened ever so slightly.

didn't want him to see my reddened eyes. "I'm leaving now.

on the window and asked, "Where are you staying now? Can you tell me?" I tightened my grip on the steering wheel

took his hand off the window.

smaller and smaller behind me in the rearview mirror as my tears. began to pour like rain

home of

Goodbye, my love.

me from

call me because Conrad had

put my suitcase down, and did some