Chapter 4 #2
“Why?” The confused question slipped out without meaning for it to.
Sam’s gaze held mine, and I had this ridiculous urge to touch his face. I didn’t. But I really wanted to. So much so that I started to question my sanity.
“I think it’ll take more time than we have to explain,” he said after a moment. “Maybe next time.”
He was right. We were almost to the farm, and I could see Mom waiting near the stop.
“Unfortunately, next time might be a while,” I said. Especially once Mom saw who I was sitting next to. “Rain check?”
He nodded as the wagon stopped.
Mom’s expression was dark as she watched us disembark, and I knew I’d just earned another week. Angrier and maybe feeling just a little defeated, too, I made my way over.
“Hello, Ms. Carstein,” Sam said.
I jumped and stared at the hand that reached around me.
Sam had followed me. Why?
I glanced at Mom, mentally bracing myself.
“I’m Sam. My mom said you stopped by last week.”
Mom’s expression shifted. Fear clashing with anger. Not good.
“Stay away from my daughter.”
The venom behind the words hit like a slap. My face burned as she grabbed my arm and pulled me away.
She towed me all the way to the car, let go, and got in without saying anything. I scrambled after her, not wanting to walk home.
Knowing her silent treatment wouldn’t last, I stared out the window and tried to think of what to say when it finally broke.
The second we were home and inside the house, she turned on me.
“I told you to stay away from him, Clarity.”
“You did. When I saw him on the wagon, I should have thrown my hands in the air and run screaming for the farm. Great cardio now, and an endless book supply, and all I can eat food at the mental health facility that the nice people with badges will put me in later. In hindsight, I can see that was obviously the more reasonable option. Silly me for choosing polite civility.”
“I didn’t ask you to scream and run away. I asked you to stay away from him. You could have waited for the next wagon.”
“Mom…do you even hear yourself? You’re asking me to meet people and then freak out when someone my age moves in next door.”
“The day after you were bitten, Clarity. The same day two strange men approached you. The same day, the Timblys won a condo lottery that they don’t remember entering. And the same day our new neighbors moved in.
“I’m not being paranoid, Clarity, and you’re too smart to be this oblivious.
“Their son, who already graduated, just happened to be at school to give you a ride home? Why? And today, he just happens to show up where you are again? Use your head before it’s too late.”
Visibly angry, she waited for my reaction. To what, though?
“I’m four months from turning eighteen, Mom. Please hold onto your sanity until I’m legally able to care for myself.”
“This isn’t a joke, Clarity.”
“You’re right. It’s not. Two men in an unmarked SUV pull up to the school to talk about the night I was bitten after you called the police.
Weird? They weren’t, but the way you laid on the horn was.
The neighbors won a condo and had to sign over their house.
Of course the agency would flip the house to recover some of the loss.
Is a same-day flip odd? To me, yeah. But to someone who’s been waiting for a home, probably not.
Did you stop to ask our neighbors how long they’ve been here or where they’ve been staying? No.”
“Did you?”
“Yes, Mom. I did. They moved here two weeks ago and have been staying at a friend’s farm. Any guesses what farm? I didn’t get to ask, but I’m betting I already know the answer.”
“And being at your school?” she asked stubbornly.
“He was running an errand nearby and recognized me standing there alone. But even if it was an intentional approach after meeting me, is the idea that some guy might like your slightly overweight, book-loving daughter that impossible to you, Mom?”
“You’re too young to date, Clarity. I refuse to believe the only legacy I have to leave you is early pregnancy and a lifetime of hardship.”
A disbelieving breath escaped me. “This is the first time in my life I’ve felt like a completely unlovable burden, despite having an absent Dad. Thanks, Mom.”
Her mouth dropped open. I walked away.
“Clarity, that’s not what I meant.”
I shut my bedroom door and tossed the dumb popcorn on the floor. The ache in my chest spread upward, making my nose tingle and my eyes water.
Was it really so bad to crush on the neighbor and daydream that he might like me?
Did she have to destroy every ounce of happiness in my life?
A tear leaked out. Then another.
“I’m sorry,” Mom said through the door. “I can see how what I said hurt you. You’re not a burden, Clarity.
You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m grateful and proud that you’re my daughter every single day.
And I want you to find someone who will light up your life and make you feel complete.
Just not the boy next door. Okay, Clarity?
He’s dangerous, and I’m just trying to keep you safe.
“Your reader and books are outside your door. The water pipe is fixed, and they called me in. I’ll see you after work.”
I closed my eyes and tipped my head back, saying nothing. Nothing would fix what was happening.
My Mom was losing her mind.