Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 5

At the mention of calling Aaron, Ellie spun away quickly, “Mom, Aaron’s up to his eyeballs in work. Let’s not get in his hair. We’ll catch up with him later, I promise,

“Once he’s got some breathing space, we’ll head back and spend a good chunk of time with you, Ellie said, her voice quivering as she avoided eye contact with her mother.

Ellie’s mom wasn’t a frequent visitor, she couldn’t read, and traveling was a challenge for her. Plus, she was always conscious about not wanting to cause any embarrassment for her kids.

This time, she must have really missed them to make the effort to come. But there was no way Ellie could tell her that Aaron was in a tough spot, currently behind bars.

“Your studies come first,” Joanna said, her voice attempting to sound light, but her eyes told a different story. They were clouded with disappointment.

She scrubbed her calloused hands on her pants before squatting down and starting to unpack her burlap bag. It was like a mini grocery store in there–vegetables, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, cornmeal, and so on.

After a brief silence, Joanna went on, “Ellie, your dad… he’s talking about stopping his meds. He’s worried about the costs, with Aaron and you needing to settle down.

“We’re still in debt to Carlos for all the school fees. He feels like he’s not contributing, just holding you back. I gave him a piece of my mind.

She took a breath and added, “If you and Aaron can manage it, come home next week. Try to talk some sense into him” Ellie glanced over at her mom, who was now huddled in the corner. Despite being just a bit over fifty, her hair was mostly silver. Her words were soft–spoken, but to Ellie, they resonated deeply. It was the harsh reality of their financial struggles.

She thought back to the cutting remarks from Alex: “What does your brother have that could compete with me?” And then, “What do you think you can use to stand up to me?”

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Ellie managed a smile. “Mom, don’t you worry. Aaron and I will be there next week

As joy spread across her mother’s face, Ellie, trying to keep things light, added, “And don’t just think about Aaron, now. I’m starving.

Her mom sprang up and hurried to the kitchen to whip something up. Ellie watched, fighting back the tears, as the aroma of a home–cooked meal filled the air–some cheese–meat–sausage sagna, a reminder of the love that held them together through the tough times.

Ellie’s small apartment wasn’t often the scene of family dinners, but tonight was different. As they sat dow fidgeted with a slice of lasagna clearly wrestling with some old guilt.

to eat, Joanna

think it was the right thing for you, she said, her eyes pleading

in her own bowl. “Mom, we’ve

hazy. She’d ended up in a chemical plant’s waste pond in a bid to help a boy, and it had nearly cost her

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Love and Deepspace

T

Jan 24

Chapter 5

been the same, and the toxins

friend of her grandpa’s had

heard her parents arguing about the risks of her leaving with Carlos. They’d considered sending her brother instead, but Carlos’d insisted on

who had pulled her towards Carlos’s car, with her dad hobbling

down her face, had led Ellie to the edge of town, where she’d tearfully watched as Ellie was driven away.

through her tears.

is for you to have a chance at a better life, even if it means you end up resenting me. I’m just a simple woman who’s

of lasagna towards her mom, “how about you crash

don’t want to cramp your style. Plus, I’ve got to get back. The chickens are out

spry as he used to

to the bus stop, and as the bus pulled away,

fixed on Ellie.

trailing

Ellie let the tears fall. She had to keep her parents in the dark about the mess she and Aaron were in.

week, she’d have to go home with Aaron and convince their dad

before stepping out with her umbrella. It was just getting dark when the rain started to fall.

apology, but all she got back was nothing. It hit her hard–Alex had blocked her. She sighed,

to give up, Ellie reached out to a few of Alex’s friends intil she finally found

Ellie stood outside the Earl Hotel, umbrella in hand, waiting for Alex to come out. She knew he was inside. but she couldn’t

leave her soaked from the waist down. Her umbrella was struggling against the wind, one of its ribs already broken. She stared at the revolving doors, her eyes

that Aaron’s case was moving to trial. Ellie felt