Thirty
thirty
FACE DOWN - THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS
OWEN - APRIL 20, 2014
E aster at Edward’s house is everything I imagined it would be, loud, chaotic, and deeply rooted in tradition. The yard hums with activity as kids race around in search of eggs while the adults swap stories and good-natured ribbing over plates of food. The smell of barbecue mingles with the scent of blooming azaleas, creating an atmosphere that’s almost too perfect. Almost.
Ruby has been passed around like the honorary centerpiece, her little head bobbing sleepily from one adoring relative to the next. Sara, meanwhile, has already managed to cover her pink Easter dress in grass stains and chocolate smudges, her basket overflowing with brightly colored eggs. Every now and then, she races up to me, her face flushed with excitement as she shows off her latest find. Her happiness is infectious, but even her energy can’t distract me from the lingering knot in my stomach.
Callie’s family is… a lot. PawPaw’s booming laugh cuts through the noise like a foghorn, and Mrs. Brenda fusses over everyone like she’s got a mental checklist of who hasn’t eaten enough. Savannah, her eldest stepsister, lounges on the porch swing, looking vaguely bored as she scrolls through her phone. Brad, her boyfriend, leans against the fence, fiddling with a folding knife, opening and closing it absently like he’s trying to entertain himself. Then there’s Lana, the youngest stepsister, flitting around the yard with an easy smile, her laugh bright and frequent as she keeps conversations flowing.
It’s not that they’re unwelcoming, far from it, but there’s an undercurrent of tension I can’t quite put my finger on, like everyone is waiting for something to happen. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s the anticipation of knowing what Callie and I are about to share, and the hope that her family will embrace it without question.
Callie moves through the yard like she’s in her element, her laughter floating on the breeze as she chats with her family and keeps tabs on Sara. Every now and then, her gaze flicks to me, and there’s something behind her smile that looks like nerves, like she’s feeling the same thing I am.
When the food has been eaten, the kids have sorted through their candy, and conversations have settled into easy chatter, Callie nudges me lightly with her elbow.
"You ready?" she murmurs, her fingers brushing against mine.
I nod, exhaling slowly as she pulls a small stack of envelopes from her pocket.
"Hey, before everyone gets too comfortable," she says, raising her voice just enough to catch attention, "we have a little something for y’all."
She starts handing out the envelopes, one to each person gathered around. There’s a moment of curiosity—Mrs. Brenda peeks at Callie over the rim of her glasses, and Lana shakes her envelope like she can guess what’s inside.
PawPaw holds his up to the light dramatically. “Now, this better not be ‘nother damn ultrasound picture.” He squints at me, wagging the envelope. “Boy, ain’t ya figured out yet what causes that?”
A few of the cousins bust out laughing, and Mrs. Brenda smacks him lightly on the arm. “Hush now, you behave,” she scolds, shaking her head.
Callie rolls her eyes. “Just open the card, PawPaw.”
One by one, everyone tears into their envelopes. A beat of silence follows, then laughter erupts as they take in the bold lettering on the front of the card: ‘Shit’s about to get real, we’re getting married!’
PawPaw lets out a loud, “Well, I’ll be damned! ‘Bout time somebody had the sense to lock this girl down. Welcome to the family, Owen—Lord knows you gon’ need all the luck ya can get!” His grin stretches from ear to ear, his voice carrying a warmth that cuts through the tension like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Laughter ripples through the group, and a few of Callie’s cousins cheer while Mrs. Brenda clasps her hands together, her face lighting up with delight. Savannah and Lana exchange surprised looks, their smiles genuine. Lana immediately pulls Callie into a hug.
“Oh my God, you’re getting married! Can I help plan? I love weddings!”
Callie laughs. “We’ll see.”
Savannah smirks. “I’m just relieved it’s not another baby.”
Callie shoots her a look but doesn’t take the bait.
Shelly doesn’t say anything, her expression unreadable as she busies herself adjusting Ruby’s sun hat. Unlike the others, she just stares at the card, her fingers smoothing over the edges as if she’s thinking too hard about it. The lack of reaction makes my stomach tighten.
Why isn’t Shelly speaking up? She’s usually quick to chime in with some over-the-top excitement, but now? Nothing.
Edward stands slowly from his chair, his lips pressing into a thin line as he approaches. His expression is carefully neutral, but there’s a flicker of something—approval? Uncertainty?—in his eyes as he looks at us.
“Congratulations,” he says finally, his voice even. He extends a hand, and I shake it firmly, meeting his gaze head-on.
“Thank you, sir,” I reply, my tone steady despite the tension simmering just beneath the surface.
Then, Edward turns to Callie, his expression softening just slightly. “You happy, baby girl?”
Callie’s fingers tighten around mine. “Yeah, Dad. I am.”
A slow nod, and something in his stance shifts, loosening. “Then I’m happy for you.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to her temple before stepping back.
As the yard buzzes with excitement, there’s one absence I can’t stop missing: Barrett.
I glance at Sara, who’s now sprawled on the grass sorting her candy, and wonder what it would’ve been like to have him here with us. He’d be running around with her, his laughter mixing with hers, probably helping her find the eggs she couldn’t spot on her own. It feels wrong not having him here for this moment, though I understand why he couldn’t be here.
Sabrina got married yesterday.
A mixture of frustration and sadness settles in my chest. Barrett needed to be there for his mom, of course. It was her big day and she wanted him to be part of it, but selfishly, I wish I could’ve had him here for ours. For this moment when Callie and I take another step forward as a family.
Would he have been excited? Confused? I can picture his little face lighting up when we tell him that thoughtful look he gets when he’s trying to process something big. I know it’s coming soon, and I can’t wait to see it. Still, the ache of his absence lingers, reminding me that my family is rarely in the same place at the same time.
The rest of the evening unfolds in a blur of laughter and congratulations. Lana pulls Callie into a tight hug, gushing about wedding plans, while Savannah offers her more subdued but genuine congratulations. Even Brad mutters something polite, though he’s back to fiddling with his pocketknife seconds later.
Through it all, Callie stays close to me, her hand never leaving mine. Her smile grows wider with each embrace and each kind word, but I can feel the way her eyes keep drifting toward her stepmother.
As the sun sets and the first fireflies blink to life in the grass, I catch Edward watching us from across the yard. His expression is hard to read. I don’t know if he’s second-guessing his blessing or just processing everything, but I make a mental note to check in with him before we leave.
For now, I focus on Callie. Her laughter lights up the yard as Sara dances around with chocolate-streaked fingers. Ruby’s soft breaths remind me of everything good and pure in the world. This is our family, and no matter what tension lingers, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect it.
The highway stretches endlessly ahead, the mid-morning sun casting a golden glow over the rolling fields. Callie sits beside me in the passenger seat, her hand resting lightly on my arm as Ruby sleeps in her car seat and Sara hums along to the faint music playing through the speakers. The van smells faintly of coffee and the candy we’ve been rationing from the whirlwind weekend we’ve just had.
Leaving New Orleans late last night was a calculated move. Callie and I both knew if we didn’t hit the road right away, we’d lose an entire day of driving. By the time the sunrise kissed the horizon, we were halfway to Cedar Bluff.
Barrett’s been on my mind the whole way.
I missed him more than I expected while we were in Louisiana. Not having him there felt like a missing piece in an otherwise perfect puzzle. Every laugh, every shared moment with Callie and the girls felt incomplete without him. He would’ve loved exploring the thrift shop, asking a thousand questions about the crawfish boil, and listening to PawPaw’s endless stories.
The thought twists in my chest, a familiar twinge of frustration. I can’t fault her for wanting Barrett by her side on her wedding day, but that doesn’t make it any easier for me. He’s my son too. I hate that I’m not there for everything.
“You okay?” Callie’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, her green eyes study my face.
“Yeah,” I reply, offering her a small smile. “Just tired.”
She doesn’t push, but her hand squeezes my arm gently, grounding me in the moment.
The afternoon sun is high by the time we pull into Cedar Bluff, casting long shadows across Sabrina’s quiet neighborhood. Her house comes into view, a modest ranch tucked away on a tree-lined street. The sight of it always stirs complicated feelings in me—memories of another life, another version of myself.
I park the van as Callie looks over at me, her brow furrowed. “Want me to stay with the girls?”
“Yeah,” I say, unbuckling my seatbelt. “I’ll be right back.”
I step out, and before I even reach the door, Barrett’s face appears in the window, his little hand waving frantically. The door swings open, and he comes barreling toward me.
“Dad!” he cries, his arms wrapping tightly around my legs.
“Hey, buddy!” I crouch down, pulling him into a hug. “Missed you, kiddo.”
“Missed you too,” he says, his voice muffled against my shirt. “Can I show you my new toy?”
“Of course,” I reply, grinning. “But let’s grab your stuff first, okay?”
We step inside, and immediately, the air feels different—tense, heavy. Sabrina’s voice cuts through the quiet, sharp and biting, and I round the corner to see her and Alex in the kitchen, their faces flushed with anger.
“I’m not doing this with you right now,” Sabrina snaps, her tone icy.
“You’re not doing anything,” Alex fires back, his voice loud enough to make Barrett flinch beside me.
“Hey,” I say softly, crouching down to Barrett’s level. “Why don’t you wait in the van with Callie for a minute? She’d love to hear about your toy.”
Barrett hesitates, his eyes darting between me and his mom.
“It’s okay, buddy,” I say gently. “I’ll be right out.”
He nods slowly, his small frame stiff as he heads for the door. Once he’s outside, I straighten and step into the kitchen, my chest tight with unease.
“Everything okay in here?” I ask, keeping my voice steady.
Sabrina startles, her eyes darting to me. “Owen,” she says, her voice strained.
Alex turns his glare on me, his jaw tightening. “Perfect timing, man. Maybe you can tell Sabrina to quit being such a?—”
“That’s enough,” I interrupt sharply, stepping further into the room.
Alex’s nostrils flare as he takes a step toward Sabrina, his posture radiating aggression.
“Back off,” I say, my voice firm.
“This isn’t your business,” Alex snaps, his words laced with venom.
“When it involves Barrett’s safety, it is,” I counter, my fists clenching at my sides.
For a moment, the tension crackles between us, thick and suffocating. Then Alex moves closer, his jaw set, and I feel my body go rigid.
Sabrina’s voice breaks through the standoff, trembling but resolute. “Alex, just leave.”
He ignores her, his attention locked on me.
I take a deep breath, pulling out my phone and pressing Will’s number.
He picks up on the second ring. “What’s up?”
“Need you at Sabrina’s,” I say, keeping my voice firmly calm. “Now.”
Alex’s eyes narrow as he realizes who I’m calling. “You can’t just call people into my house?—”
“You can leave,” I cut him off, my voice firm, meeting his glare without flinching. My entire body feels coiled, like a spring wound too tight, ready to snap if Alex makes another wrong move.
Will’s voice comes through the phone, steady and reassuring. “Be there in five.”
Alex hesitates, his fists clenching at his sides, the muscles in his jaw twitching. For a moment, I think he’s going to charge. His eyes dart between me and Sabrina, wild with frustration, his breath coming short and fast like he’s trying to steady himself.
“You’re lucky I’m not in the mood,” he mutters finally, his words sharp enough to cut. He storms past me, shoving his shoulder against mine as he goes. The door slams behind him with a deafening crack, the sound reverberating through the house.
The room falls silent except for Sabrina’s uneven breathing. The tension lingers, thick and suffocating, wrapping around the space like a vise. Sabrina’s hands grip the edge of the counter, her knuckles white.
“You okay?” I ask, softening my voice as I step closer.
Her head jerks in a quick nod, but she doesn’t meet my eyes. “I’m fine. Just... take Barrett, please.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. There’s a fear in her voice that she’s trying to mask, a weariness that seeps into the air between us. I want to ask more, to dig deeper, but the closed-off set of her shoulders tells me I won’t get much right now.
“Call me if you need anything,” I say quietly, letting the sincerity in my tone do the work.
She doesn’t respond, her head still bowed, and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as I grab Barrett’s bag from where it’s slung over a chair.
Back in the van, the shift in energy is immediate. Barrett is perched in his car seat, holding up his new toy for Callie to admire, his voice bubbling with excitement.
“And look, it can spin!” he says, twisting a gear on the brightly colored robot.
Callie leans back in her seat, smiling warmly at him. “That’s awesome, buddy. You’ll have to show me how it works when we get home.”
Her tone is light, and Barrett beams, but my grip tightens on the steering wheel as I sit there. My chest feels heavy, the image of Sabrina standing in that kitchen replaying in my mind on a loop—her shoulders hunched, her face pale, her hands trembling against the counter.
Callie glances over at me from the passenger seat, her brows knitting together in concern. “Everything okay?” she asks softly, her voice careful, like she’s trying not to unsettle Barrett, who’s happily playing with his toy in the backseat with the girls.
I force a nod, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Not really,” I admit. “But I’ll explain later.”
Her lips press into a thin line, and her eyes linger on me, trying to read between the lines of what I’m not saying. Callie’s perceptive like that, always noticing when something’s off. Before she can push further, Barrett pipes up from the backseat, showing off his toy with a triumphant shout.
Callie turns to him, her face softening as she smiles and asks him questions about his new treasure. I can hear the warmth in her voice as she makes him feel like he’s the center of the universe. We sit in the truck waiting for Will to arrive.
As we drive, the hum of the engine fills the silence between Barrett’s chatter and Callie’s gentle replies. I glance over at her again, the weight of what just happened pressing harder against my ribs. She’s here, safe and steady, and that’s everything I want for Sabrina too.
Minutes feel like hours when Will’s truck finally pulls up behind us in Sabrina’s driveway. I exhale, relief washing over me.
“Stay here,” I tell Callie.
She hesitates, her lips parting as if to argue, but then she nods, her green eyes filled with quiet understanding. “Be careful,” she says softly, her hand brushing mine for a brief second.
I climb out of the van, the warm evening air hitting me like a wall. Will steps out of his truck, his calm and measured demeanor a welcome sight.
“Thanks for coming,” I say.
Will nods, his eyes flicking toward the house. “What’s going on?”
“Alex,” I reply, the name coming out like gravel. “He and Sabrina were fighting. It got physical. He’s gone now, but… something’s not right. She’s shaken up, and I’m worried he’ll come back.
Will’s jaw tightens, and he gives a single nod. “I’ll check on her,” he says firmly. “You getting the kids home?”
“Yeah,” I say, glancing back at the van where Barrett is still talking to Callie, oblivious to the storm brewing around him. “But do me a favor and stay with her. Make sure she files a police report. She won’t listen to me, but maybe she’ll listen to you.”
“You got it,” Will replies, his tone steady and certain.
I clap a hand on his shoulder, grateful for his unwavering presence. I turn back toward the van and Callie is watching me, her expression filled with silent questions. I don’t have the answers right now, but I know she trusts me to handle it.
“You ready to head home?” I ask as I slide into the driver’s seat, my voice steady even though my chest still feels tight.
She nods, her gaze flicking between me and the house before settling on Barrett. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
As I pull away, I glance in the rearview mirror and see Will walking toward Sabrina’s front door. The sight eases some of the tension in my shoulders, knowing she’s not alone anymore, but the weight of what happened doesn’t leave me.
Barrett hums softly in the backseat, holding up his toy for Callie to admire again, and for a moment, the van feels like a safe haven from the chaos. I glance at Callie, her green eyes soft as she turns back to me, and I feel a flicker of gratitude that she’s here—steady and unshakable, calming my temper..
This isn’t over. Not for Sabrina, and not for Barrett. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they’re both safe.