28. Chapter Twenty-Eight
The next morning, my parents ask to speak with me as soon as they’ve poured their morning cup of coffee. The boys look up from their pancakes, but my grandfather remains focused on his paper.
“Um, I’m not finished,” I tell them, holding up an inch wide piece of toast.
My dad folds his arms across his chest.
“Okay, that serious, huh?”
I pop the last bite in my mouth, brushing crumbs into my hand. I’m sure they know I’m stalling as I walk over to the trash, then go back to the table to retrieve my empty glass. When my dad snaps, I pick up the pace.
“Geez,” I whisper under my breath.
As soon as I sit down on the couch, they drop on each side of me. “We have some bad news.” My mom pats my hand.
My dad had Tank killed.
Adrenaline surges through my veins before my brain has a second to reason things out.
“We are going to have to move Grandma to a facility.”
The rapid way my brain misfires is scary. But then what my mother just said registers, and my face slowly falls. “What?”
Dad wraps his big hand over my knee, turning me toward him. “Last night wasn’t the first time she’s wandered off. We can’t risk that happening again.”
My gaze travels across the room, toward the kitchen. My grandmother is sitting at the end of the table, staring into space.
“We’re trying to get her into Sunnyside back home. Grandpa’s going to move in with Mom and me for as long as he wants to live there.”
I blink at him. There are no words to explain what I’m feeling. I take a moment to process. Then, I realize what it is … I’m sad for my grandparents. It’s been hell being away from Tank, and I just met him. They’ve been together for years and years. I can’t imagine.
My gaze goes back to my grandmother. Grandpa is gently tapping a spoon to her mouth, trying to get her to eat something. She doesn’t acknowledge it’s there; she continues to stare at the wall. He gives up after several attempts.
“Mom and I are going to stay and help him get things in order. The twins are going to drive you back home,” he finishes.
Mom rubs her hand over my back. “I’ll be home Friday morning so we can pack for our trip to Iowa. Dad isn’t sure he’ll be able to go, but he’s asked JD to go with us if he can’t make it.”
She dips her head, trying to snag my gaze when she doesn’t get a response from me.
Great.I’m still feeling a little awkward around JD.
“We don’t have to go to Iowa,” I say quietly.
She grabs my chin. “We’re going. It’s important.” Her eyes bounce over my face.
“Well, I don’t understand why we need an escort.” I pull my chin out of her hand, scooting back on the couch. “Why does JD need to go with us?”
They exchange a look.
“Oh, wait. The same reason, you’re going to make me stay at the warehouse when I get back.” I throw my hands up, letting them fall haphazardly in my lap. “It all makes sense now.”
“Kelsie,” my dad warns.
I look at him. “You’re right, Dad. Tank is stalking me. He’s been stalking me for a long time.”
As I say the words out loud, I remember how nervous I felt when I realized Tank had been watching me. That he knew more about me than he should. My gaze bounces over my dad’s worry lines, and I remind myself he’s everything I ever wanted in a father. Instead of arguing with him, I decide to give him my understanding.
“I understand you’re only trying to protect me. I’m not afraid of Tank, but I’ll stay at the warehouse if that makes you feel better.”
His shoulders drop, and he leans forward to kiss my forehead. “Thank you.” He stands as if the conversation is over.
“You’re not going to do anything to him, are you?” I ask hesitantly.
My mom and I both stare up at him, tipping our heads back. He looks down at us.
“Not right now,” he answers honestly. “But if he keeps this up …” He doesn’t finish. Mom pats my back as he walks away.
“I received a call from your mom’s nursing home today,” my mom says, interrupting my thoughts over what my dad might do to Tank.
“Oh,” I say, cringing at the way she calls her my mom. I don’t want Lily to ever think that she’s not my real mom. She’s the only female who has been consistent in my life. I hate that she has to share that title.
“They said she’s been doing a little better.”
I shrug. “That’s good, I guess.”
The boys come out. “Hey, sis. We need to get on the road soon so we can get you home and then get back to school.”
By early afternoon, I’m sitting in the backseat of Cole’s truck, listening to heavy metal at a level I’m sure is causing irreversible hearing damage. I lean over the seat and smack Carson on the arm.
“Turn that down.”
He snickers but does as I ask. “You sound like Mom.”
“Good.” I lean back, closing my eyes. Finally, a moment of peace.
“So, why don’t you tell us about this stalker of yours?”
I flip them off without looking at them. “Maybe you should just worry about the friends you keep. Because the ones you left behind weren’t very good, were they?”
One thing I’ve learned from the club women is never let the men goad you.
“You’re right,” Cole agrees. “Is that supposed to make us feel any better? I knew we should have gone to school somewhere closer.”
I release my breath, opening one eye. “It’s not your fault.”
“Well, we’re paying the basketball team a visit before we head back to school,” Carson chimes in.
I’d like to tell them they don’t have to, but I kind of like that they’re going to stand up for me. “It wasn’t the whole team.”
“We know who it was, but the team needs to understand that they have to hold each other accountable. That’s how it’s supposed to work. They’ll be shit if they don’t get that through their thick skulls. Matt is a weak team captain, and you’re only as good as your weakest player.”
“Did you hear what Charlotte did to the cheerleaders before I quit school?” I ask.
They both start laughing. “I love the shit out of that kid,” Cole chuckles.
“Do you miss it?” Carson asks. “You know, school, cheerleading?”
“Nope.” I pop the p for effect.
Carson drapes his arm behind the seat, grabbing my knee. “I’m sorry we didn’t see it.”
“What?”
“That you hated it so much.”
The trees fly by as glimpses of the lake peek between them. “I didn’t hate it when you guys were there. You taught me how to be young and carefree. It was refreshing. It gave me time to heal. You were safe and fun.”
Carson squeezes my knee before turning around in his seat, swiping at his eyes.
They help me carry my bags into the warehouse when we get there. Jesse is waiting for us. She hugs the three of us.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. You know the club is going to take care of her and Ray.”
I’ll admit it’s nice being here at the warehouse. I’m surrounded by family. It helps keep my nerves at bay as I process everything. My grandmother’s condition, the trip to Iowa, Tank … always Tank.
Charlotte plops down next to me in the grass, setting her plate beside mine. She remains quiet as she munches on her chips, but out of the corner of my eye, I see her glance at me from time to time.
“Did it work?” she finally asks.
I turn my eyes her way. Her dark curls are hanging over her face. I brush one behind her ear. “Did what work?”
She places her little finger over the dragonfly around my neck.
“I don’t know what to wish for. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Her head tips to the side as she studies me. “You don’t have a book.”
I laugh. “I guess real life has been more interesting than the ones in my books.”
She rubs her finger under her nose. “Daddy said it looked like you could use a friend today.”
This makes me smile. “He’s right. I do.”
“Daddy says you are visiting your real mommy tomorrow.”
I glance over my shoulder. Petey’s dark eyes linger over us. I turn my focus back to her. “I haven’t seen her in a very long time. I’m nervous.”
“I wish I could visit my mommy, but she lives up there.” She points to the clouds. “She has wings, you know.”
My chest squeezes painfully for her, even though Charlotte doesn’t look sad.
“Daddy says your mommy is sick,” she continues.
I glance away, focusing on the lake. “She is. I don’t think she’ll be here long. I think that’s why my parents have been wanting me to go see her.”
“So you can say goodbye?”
Charlotte is too smart.
“I guess.” I shrug.
We sit quietly, both of us deep in thought as we stare at the clouds. Suddenly, she turns to me.
“I think your real mom will be happy to see Lily is your new mommy. It will be easier for her to leave.”
I stare at Charlotte, my reflection bouncing off her dark eyes. She doesn’t look away, and I can feel the way she’s staring into my soul. She’s found me sitting in the shadows. Maybe because she’s been there herself.
“But how do you think it will make Lily feel?” I ask. “I’m worried about her.” I know it’s stupid to ask someone as young as Charlotte a question like this, but I do it anyway.
She squints her eyes as the sun comes out from behind the clouds. “Lily loves your real mommy, because without her, she wouldn’t have you.”
My gaze goes back to the lake, my mind ruminating over her statement. Is she right? I’ve only been looking at it from my perspective. I guess that’s why I’ve been reluctant to go to Iowa. Lily has given me so much. I don’t want to hurt her.
“I saw Tank earlier today.”
Charlotte grins at the way I choke on air. She pats my back as I glance around nervously, not wanting the club to overhear our conversation.
“He’s funny.” She laughs. “I knew he’d be perfect for you.”
“We’re not together, Charlotte.”
Her little hand waves me off. “Teddy almost took his leg off.” She chuckles. “He was hiding in the woods.”
I fight to keep my eyes on her and not let them drift toward the trees.
Teddy is her German Shepard. He’s just a puppy now, but the thing has paws as big as my hand. I’m sure someday he’ll actually be able to take a man’s leg off.
“Charlotte, we have to go now!” Petey hollers from the patio.
She stands up, brushing crumbs from her lap onto the ground.
“Thank you for being a good friend to me today. You made me feel better,” I tell her, reaching out to give her a hug.
She gives me the best one in return before running up the hill. Petey catches her in his arms, tossing her on his back like they’ve done it a hundred times … and perhaps they have.
My heart is happy for her.
I glance at the darkening forest before heading inside myself. It’s going to rain soon; a storm is moving in. Mom will be here tomorrow for our trip, and JD confirmed to me earlier that he will be going with us. Dad is going to stay back to help Grandpa and Grandma pack up their things. We got word yesterday that Sunnyside found a place for her. I know this has to be hard for Grandpa, so I’m glad Dad is staying behind to be with him.
My steps slow when I hear Jesse crying in the kitchen.
“Oh, Dan, I’m so sorry,” she cries softly.
I peek around the corner. Dirk is rubbing circles over her back.
“If that’s what you want. I won’t tell her. Are you guys going to wait until they get back from Iowa? Yeah, I understand. Kelsie’s running out of time. She needs the closure with her mom.”
I plaster myself against the wall. I know I shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but they’re talking about me, so …
“You’re right. Kelsie won’t want to make the trip if she knows your mom has passed. So, Lily will be here at ten tomorrow? Okay.”
She sniffles back tears as I fold over on myself, my hand flying to my mouth to try and stop the scream from escaping.
Both Jesse and Dirk turn to face me.
“I’ll take care of her,” Jesse says quickly. “I’ve got to go, hun. Call me if you need anything.”
Dirk starts toward me as his wife ends the call. A crack of thunder echoes through the warehouse.
“Kelsie,” he says, reaching for me.
I turn, running as fast as I can out the door. He curses under his breath. I … I need Tank.
It’s pouring by the time I get outside. I slip down the hill but jump to my feet when I see Dirk still following me. My world is crashing around me as I dart into the dark forest.
“Tank!” I begin to yell, rushing through the trees. A branch cuts across my cheek, but I don’t stop. “Tank!”
I trip, falling over a tree root. My hands skid across the dirt. I close my eyes letting the sting across my palms override the hurt in my heart.
Dirk’s boots stop beside me. His big hand rests against the back of my head as I stare at the blood and dirt on my palms.
He hollers at someone. “I’ve got her!”
His arms wrap around me, and he scoops me against his chest. I’m shivering. I’m too late. Tank is gone.
“Get my truck,” he orders someone when we get back up to the warehouse.
He sits me gently on a chair in the kitchen, and my eyes go to the windows. I’m so sad for my family … my dad. He lost his mom. She’s gone. I just saw her this morning. Lightning flashes across the sky as if the whole world is raging against the thought of a world without my sweet grandmother.
Jesse tries to talk to me, but I’m not listening. I tip my head back to stare at the ceiling, and I allow myself to slip away.
“Kelsie, please, Kels. Don’t do this. Talk to me.” I hear the panic in her voice, but I don’t care. I simply don’t care.