Chapter 65 Blaze
I slowly pulled up in the driveway. Dylan hadn’t woken up, despite my theatrics, and Shaquilla had quietly supervised my breakdown. Then she’d let me into her home and fed me until she was sure that I was stable enough to ride home. I wasn’t sure I was fine, but she was, so she sent me on my way.
The ride back was lonely. I didn’t push the negative feelings back like I should have, like Matchstick taught me. I let my sorrow envelop me. Daisy didn’t want me. She’d moved on.
I pushed open the kitchen door. Mom was sitting at the table, waiting with a cup of tea in her hands, and another beside her.
“I don’t care what your father thinks. I like Shaquilla. She’s a good woman,” Mom said softly. The words hung in the air for a moment as I stood in the door. Then Mom sighed.
“I heard what happened at the club tonight. I’m happy for Daisy. You were never good enough for her. Despite the wishes of your father and Matchstick.”
I stared at her. “Aren’t you supposed to be on my side?” I demanded.
She shook her head and took a sip. “You’re not the only one who messed up.
Your father and I made a big mistake letting that man into the family, me connecting with Molly over miscarriages.
By the time we realized it, it was too late for you.
But we got Daisy. She was worth it.” Mom paused.
“Until she left. Then it was agony. We’d lost both of you. ”
“What do you mean? I’m right here!” I demanded.
“I’m not proud of the man you’ve become. You cheat on your wife, almost abandon one son, and leave the other one to die, and then forget it all ever happens,” she continued in a soft drone. “I’ve done the same, but I can’t anymore. I have to face the fact that I’m ashamed of you.” Her voice broke.
“Mom, I, what?”
Mom dropped her head and sniffed. “I can’t do this any more,” she sighed. “You have to wake up to yourself. Daisy’s not coming back. It’s time to move on. It’s time to grow up, Blaze. Only you can do that.” She rose as she spoke her last words, and tucked her dressing gown around her.
“Mom, I’m going to get her back, you’ll see.” I held out my hand to stop her.
She looked at me sadly. “Give it up, Blaze.”
She stepped around me and left the room.