I have to admit, it’s really weird pulling up to the house where I grew up, considering that the last time I was here I left in a helicopter clutching my half-dead mate’s hand. I glance in the rearview window at my two boys, suddenly realizing that this house is probably full of strange memories for them as well.

Was it wrong to bring them along?

But one glance at Ian lets me know that he, at least, is thrilled.

“Can we go in the basement?! Can we play in the jail where you were locked up, mama?!”

“Is that really what you want to do?” I ask, screwing up my face with distaste as I put the car in park out front.

Alvin bites his lip, looking at me, clearly not as eager to re-enact his trauma as Ian is. I laugh, shaking my head and starting to get out of the car. The boys join me in the driveway.

“Listen, you guys can both do what you want, but you should ask your grandmother first. See what she thinks.”

They both nod, starting to run up the stairs to the house. As they reach the top, the door opens and my mother’s beaming face appears. “Evelyn! Ian, Alvin! Lovely!” she calls, laughing as the boys run to hug her.

I smile, surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her…

Well, as I climb the stairs after my boys, I realize that my mother has always been the perfect Luna, which means answering the door with a gracious smile. Even a warm greeting like this would have made my father frowning at her, giving her the message – however implicit – that she was embarrassing him.

As I reach the top of the stairs and lean to give her a kiss on the cheek, I’m suddenly furious for her, that she’s lived a life so hemmed in she couldn’t even be excited to see her grandchildren. At least, not until now, when he’s locked away in a jail.

“Are you all right, darling?” she asks, peering at me closely.

“Yes, mama,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “I’m sorry – lost in my thoughts.”

always is,” she murmurs, glancing pointedly at my left hand.

had a sharp eye for

says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, “one does not need a sharp eye. Congratulations, darling.” She gives me an extra squeeze and then releases me. “I think you two are good for

about their lives and their school, Alvin telling her

across the room, laughing, happy to see me.

getting married,” she says, pulling back a little and grinning at the boys.

I say, smirking and holding up my hand so she can see. Emma gasps and then wraps me again in a hug,

“Delia is going to flip out – she’s been calling

shaking my head. Honestly, I used to love those blogs so

wants,” I say, shrugging.

her eyes going wide as we move to the couch. “Please let her – it would make her

people get in touch with her about it.

what to the press?” Alvin asks, curious, coming

him

haven’t even asked her yet. I’m

on the rear. “You two go find something to do around the house,”

my mother says, leaning forward to

the door in a moment?” Emma

them.

quickly,” my mother says, looking at me

to meet with me today, and I didn’t tell them why, but as I look between both

down to where my hands are pressed against my knees. “I haven’t done

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255