I sat on my mother’s stone for at least a half an hour after Susan and my confrontation. I couldn’t believe what had happened. I just wept as I stroked the cement engraving of my mother’s name.

“What I wouldn’t give to have you with me right now. I need you so badly,” I sobbed. “What do I do now?” I was crying so hard I couldn’t think clearly.

I felt like the last few weeks didn’t matter. My love for Susan didn’t matter.

Nothing mattered.

My mind was racing at a pace of a million miles a second. The tears hadn’t stopped since I started to run to my safety cocoon. I couldn’t breathe; I felt like someone had knocked me down, picked me back up and then knocked me down again at least a thousand times. My heart was hurting beyond words. I never thought I was capable of being so cold towards her. God, I loved her with my life! I laid so much of myself out there for her. For what? She turned around and stabbed my heart in places I didn’t even know existed.

This is why I stopped extending myself. This is why I stopped dating. This is why I didn’t share my mother’s pain with her. I knew this would eventually happen. That’s all women do to me. They love me, and then break me. I just can’t do this anymore.

“I just can’t,” I whispered through my tears.

My phone rang, or I should say vibrated, again against my hip. I contemplated not answering it considering my state of mind, but I knew that I probably should. I reached through my layers of clothing to answer it. I wiped my eyes and stared at the number in confusion. Expecting it to be Susan again, my mind was flooded with new possibilities. I took in a much-needed breath then hit the talk button. Nothing could have prepared me for this.

“Hello?” I answered shakily, and then heard their greeting. “Yes, this is Kelly Cavanaugh.”

I listened to the voice on the other end and my heart stopped cold.

“What room is she in?” I closed my eyes in silent prayer as the tears rolled down my face. “ICU #4? OK - yes, thank you for calling.”

I quickly closed the connection and looked down. “Oh, momma.” I sadly shook my head and ran to find my car.

*****

I had been walking for nearly an hour and couldn’t find Kelly anywhere. I knew she was hurting and I needed to find her desperately. I needed to apologize. I was so wrong in yelling at her the way that I did. I had no idea she’d been through such hell with her mother. If she had told me, I might not have reacted the way I did to her.

Who was I kidding? I was out of control. Plain and simple. Now I’ve wounded the woman I supposedly loved with all my heart with my words. I never knew such cruelty could come out of my mouth towards her.

God, I was such an asshole.

“Kelly!” I shouted again hoping to find her. I was certain I’d find her by now. I thought she’d have gone to her mother’s grave. The caretaker I found on the grounds was kind enough to show me where her plot was. But here I was and Kelly was nowhere to be found. I looked down to the engravings of her mother’s stone. The date of her death brought a new realization to me.

December 28^th.

Jesus, that’s today!

I’m even more of an asshole now. I’m sure she was feeling incredibly sad and vulnerable with this being the anniversary of her mother’s death. And I added to that nice excruciating pain. I couldn’t imagine how she felt right now.

No wonder she wanted to come here today. This revelation brought on tears and I felt about two inches tall. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kelly never wanted to see me again.

“God, Kelly, I’m so sorry. I had no idea,” I whispered sadly to myself.

The rain had begun to fall and the temperature was starting to chill my bones. I knew that I had to leave and find a way back home soon. Kelly was here somewhere; of this I was certain. I swear I could feel her.

I reached in my pocket again tracing the antenna of my cell phone with my finger. I’d tried calling Kelly’s phone, but there was no answer. Pulling it out, I began to dial a number I never thought I’d ever dial again.

“Hello?”

I almost hung up when I heard her voice. I took a deep breath and spoke. “Mother?”

“Susan?” She asked with a quiet tentativeness.

“Yeah.” I answered then stopped trying to figure out why I was calling her. I knew why.

“Honey, are you all right?” I heard her voice again and it brought a well of tears to my eyes.

“Oh, mom, I really screwed things up,” I started to say as the emotion clouded my voice.

“What? Honey, where are you? Can I pick you up somewhere?” There was another pause as I tried to collect myself enough to answer.

“I’m at the cemetery,” I said through my tears. “Kelly um…” I couldn’t stop myself from crying. My heart was breaking with each and every moment away from her. “Kelly and I had a fight and uh… I – I can’t find her!”

“Shh, honey, it’ll be okay. Stay where you are and I’ll come and get you. The weather is going to be awful the next few hours. I don’t want you getting ill.” The maternal instinct in her took over even though we’d been practically strangers for five years. I couldn’t stop myself from accepting her offer.

“I’ll be by dad,” I informed her knowing she’d know where to find me. My eyes scanned the cemetery looking for any sign of Kelly and finding none. “Thanks, mom,” I said into the phone and then said our good byes.

I clicked off the phone and began to walk towards my father’s grave. I couldn’t help but worry for Kelly. Even if she had left, her emotional state was nowhere near what it needed to be to drive safely.

“I’m so sorry!” I screamed into the now raging storm. The raindrops had already soaked my hair thoroughly, and the sky didn’t look like it was going to calm anytime soon. I knew that this was one storm that was going to need a very large rainbow.

*****

I waited for my mother by the side of the road. I had no idea what kind of car to expect so when I saw headlights approaching me, I hoped it was she.

Thankfully, it was.

The black Acura made its way slowly towards me, as if not to splash, and stopped. I saw my mother’s face and she waved me inside. I grabbed the door handle and quickly opened the door and got inside the warm automobile. As soon as I sat down I realized how wet I was and cringed outwardly.

“Oh, crap! I’m sorry. I’m going to ruin the leather!” I said through chattering teeth while wiping away my unstoppable tears.

“Nonsense, it will dry,” she replied while patting my forearm. “And so will they.” She pointed to my tear soaked face and gave me a warm sincere smile, which of course, set me off again.

She immediately reached over to her glove box and pulled out some Kleenex for me. I gratefully accepted the tissues and dabbed my eyes and cheeks. She turned in her seat to face me and stroked my arm with her hand.

“Wanna talk about it?” She asked gently.

“Can we go home first?” I answered automatically.

When no answer came, I looked up to find a confused look on my mother’s face.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“Whose home do you want me to take you to? Mine or yours?” She asked wistfully.

‘Yours, please. If that’s all right.”

“Of course it’s all right. It will always be your home, Susan,” she said honestly with as much love as she could muster. I could feel the tears threatening again and could only answer with a nod of my head.

She turned back in her seat and put the car in drive. Our trip back to my childhood home was very quiet. She gave me the space and peace that I needed to think about what happened today. I was very grateful for that. She always knew when I needed to just think. I missed this part of our relationship. No one knew me like she did.

You were always an introverted child, Susan. I remembered her saying that more than once in my life. I guess some things never changed.

We pulled into the driveway and I watched as the garage door opened, welcoming us back home. It had been too long since I felt like this. I felt like there was hope for my mother and me. I still had so much to talk to her about, but for right now, I’d let her take care of me. I think she and I needed this more than we’d ever say aloud.

Mom mother’s touch drew me back from my thoughts. “You coming? Or do you want to stay in here for a little longer?” She smiled.

“No, I mean yes. I’ve got to get out of these clothes.” I shook my coat as I got out of the car spraying the rainwater onto the floor.

“I kept everything of yours, honey. I’m sure you can find something warm to wear upstairs,” she said as she opened the door leading into the house.

The smell of my old home warmed me instantly. I knew things were going to be hard and slow going, but I had hope again. I nodded to myself and walked into the family room. The same furniture rested on the same carpeting my parents had since I was in high school. I shook my head and grinned at my mother who was watching me with interest.

“What?” she asked with a curious smile of her own.

I looked around the room again. “It’s just that everything is the same as it was when I left or um…” I paused not wanting to be so harsh with her anymore.

“You can say it, honey,” she said with shame. “When your father and I kicked you out.”

“Yeah,” I breathed out and closed my eyes against the memory of that night.

***

“That was the worst day of my life Susan,” Mother said to me. “I never thought I’d turn my back on my own flesh and blood. I can never ask your forgiveness.”

Our family room was quiet as I listened to my mother’s quiet voice. I knew she was sorry. I just wished that he was.

“We’ll talk more. I’m going to go upstairs and change, if that’s all right?” I looked into my mother’s sad eyes and she nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

I walked into the foyer and up to the stairs leading to my old bedroom. The same floorboards creaked as I made my way down the hallway. The bedroom door was slightly ajar so I pushed it open to reveal my room. It hadn’t changed one iota in five years.

The same pictures still hung on the walls. The two twin beds had the same sheets and comforters on them. I walked towards my closet and opened the sliding door. I reached instinctively to the switch just inside the doors to turn on the light. I grabbed a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans from the shelves, turned the light off, and closed the door.

I removed my wet clothing and hung them on my desk chair. I easily fit into my old clothes, with a little room to spare. I sat on my bed for a moment absorbing all that had happened in the last 72 hours. A wonderful Christmas spent with the most wonderful woman on the planet. A reunion with the woman that allowed her husband to disown me. Visiting my father at his gravesite. Screaming vicious words at the same woman who had made passionate love to me only days before. Now I’m sitting on my bed in the home I wasn’t welcome in for five years. My body turned to jelly and I found my head on my pillow.

I sobbed endlessly for several minutes as I tried not to think about how badly I hurt Kelly. She meant well, I know she did. God knows I know that. I just let my emotions take over and then BAM! I lost complete control and now probably Kelly, too.

*****

I looked at the lifeless form that was my grandmother. She was only sixty-eight years old, but her face was so pale and looked so much older than I remembered. I tried to imagine her face without all the tubes running through her. When I looked at her, all I saw was my mother.

Dying.

My grandmother was dying. She’d had a stroke and her neighbor, Sally, found her in her apartment after she didn’t come over for lunch. My grandma was a stickler for punctuality, so Sally knew something was wrong.

If you’re late, I won’t wait. She’d always say in her singsong voice.

“What I wouldn’t give to hear your voice now,” I said through my tears. I took her hand in mine and sat in the chair close to the bed. “I love you, gram.” I kissed her hand and rested my cheek on it.

It must have been the toll of the day because I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep. I woke to hear the loud beeping of the monitors and felt the weight of something on my head. My grandmother had put her hand on my head while I was asleep. The sound of feet approaching quickly took me out of my slumber-like trance.

“Code blue!” I heard one of the nurses cry out. She looked at me and took my arm. “Miss, you’ll have to leave, now. I’ll let you know something as soon as I can. I promise.” She escorted me gently out of the area.

I looked back once more to my grandmother’s bed and saw them try to revive her. I knew they wouldn’t be able to. This is what she’d wanted since the day my mother left her. I was incapable of stopping it. No one should have to bury a child. I can’t even imagine what that felt like. I couldn’t fathom living day to day after losing my child. Apparently grandma couldn’t either, and after eleven years to the day, she finally got her wish.

I mutely walked into the waiting room waiting for the news that I already knew.

Grandma was gone.

“We did everything we could for her. I’m sorry,” the doctor finished as I stared into his sympathetic eyes.

“I know you did. I’m just glad I got to see her one last time,” I said quietly, almost to myself.

He put his hand on my shoulder, gave it a light squeeze, and then quietly walked away. I sat back down and stared dumbly at the walls of the waiting room.

Alone.

I hung up the phone after speaking with the funeral director at Scott’s Funeral Home. He was such a nice man. I wondered if I could ever do that kind of work. It took a very special person to run a funeral home. They help us all say one final goodbye to the people we’ve loved in our lives. They make that last visit as painless as possible. I really admired that.

“One last call to make and I’m out of here,” I said to myself while pinching the bridge of my nose trying to ward off the migraine I knew was coming.

I picked up the phone and called my boss to let her know I was taking some time off. “Shannon? Hi, it’s Kelly.”

“Hello, Kelly. How are you?” She said happily into the receiver.

“I’m not well, actually. My grandmother passed away yesterday and I’m going to need some time off.” I said as I fiddled with the paper on my desk trying hard not to cry again.

“Oh, Kelly. I’m so sorry,” she said genuinely.

“Thanks,” I replied.

“You take whatever time you need. I’ll have Brad watch over your market until you get back. Don’t worry about anything. Okay?”

“I’ll do my best.” I paused and took a breath. “Thanks, Shannon. I really appreciate it.”

“You bet, Kelly. Again, please know how sorry I am. When you get a chance, can you let me know where the services are? I’d like to send something.”

My eyes welled up hearing her kindness. “Thank you, Shannon. I’ll send you an email before I leave today.”

“You’re at the office? Go home, Kelly. Whatever you’re doing, can wait until you get back.”

When I didn’t say anything further I heard her repeat herself. “I mean it, Kelly. Go home. Please.”

“I will,” I acquiesced.

“Take care of yourself.”

“You too, Shannon. Bye.”

“Bye.”

I hung up the phone and collected my belongings. I looked at the paper on which I’d been writing and sighed.

“You’ll never forget about her, so stop trying,” I said to myself as I grabbed the piece of paper, crumpled it and threw it towards the trashcan. I had missed the can, but left it on the floor not wanting to waste any more energy on it.

Or her.

*****

I fell asleep and woke to feel my mother’s touch on my head. She was stroking my hair while she sat next to me. She was humming a tune she used to sing to me when I was a child. It always had a calming effect on me, and today was no different.

I groggily looked into her loving eyes. “Must have fallen asleep. Sorry, about that.”

“Oh, honey. Don’t apologize. You obviously needed it,” she said as she continued to play with my hair. “You know, I’ve missed you… missed this.”

I looked into her guilt-ridden eyes and realized that my hell had been out in the streets, while she’d never left hers. Not long ago I would’ve been happy to know she hurt as badly as I had. Now, I wasn’t so sure I’d want anyone to feel that way. I sighed in contentment. “Me too, mama. Me too.”

I closed my eyes and just let her try to free the demons she’d been keeping inside herself for so long. I wasn’t sure why I was easily allowing her to touch me. I wasn’t sure about anything at this point. All I knew was that I’d hurt the woman who I’d thought would spend the rest of my life with me.

Badly.

I hadn’t left a message when I called her cell phone. I wished in hindsight, I had. My heart began to race not knowing how much time had passed since I’d heard her voice. “What time is it, Mama?”

“You slept through to tomorrow, honey. It’s a little after ten.”

I sat up abruptly and noticed that I was in the clothes I’d changed into, but under my covers. My mom put a calming hand on my shoulder. “I came in last night when you didn’t come back down and found you asleep on top of your bed. I maneuvered you under the covers, but obviously you were too wiped out to remember,” she explained.

I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. I’d never slept so long before. “I have to find Kelly, Mom. I do. I said some awful things to her. Things I shouldn’t have said ever. Least of all yesterday.”

“What was yesterday?” she asked.

“The anniversary of her mother’s death,” I said regretfully.

“I see,” she said without commenting further.

“Would you mind if I borrowed the car? I’m sure she’s at the office. I won’t be long I promise.”

“On one condition,” she started to negotiate.

“Yes?”

“You take a shower and come downstairs to eat some breakfast. You haven’t had an ounce of food since God knows when. I might not have seen you in the last few years, but I sure remember how you can get if you haven’t eaten,” she smiled playfully.

“You’ve got a deal.” I smiled at her as she stood to leave me to shower. “Mom?” She turned to look at me with a questioning glance. “Thank you for coming to get me, yesterday. It meant a lot to me.” I could feel the emotions building again as my eyes teared up.

“You don’t have to thank me, sweetie,” she almost whispered then looked me in the eye. “Thank you for calling me. That meant the world to me.”

I stood up and did something I hadn’t done in five years. “Can I hold you?”

I asked in a very childlike voice.

She outstretched her arms and I fell into them desperately; hugging my mother for all I was worth. She wrapped her arms around me very tightly. I could feel her heartbeat racing right along with my own. I had truly missed this feeling. I wasn’t going to let it go for anything in the world.

We parted and had watery smiles for each other. She squeezed my forearm she still held and walked out into the hallway closing my door on her way out.

*****

I showered, dressed and ate before my mother gave me the keys to my father’s old BMW. I wondered why she hadn’t sold it, but she said she liked the car too much to get rid of it. Looking up at the convertible top, I couldn’t have agreed with her more. I backed out of the driveway and made my way towards Saks. I wasn’t sure the kind of reception I was going to get, but I was going to do my damndest to let her know how sorry I was. I didn’t care if she punched me square in the face. She was going to hear me out.

I pulled into a parking spot on Lawrence and went into ForOthers. I walked in and saw Miriam at her desk.

“Hi, Miriam,” I said as she looked up from her paperwork.

“Hey, stranger. How are things going for you? Any better?”

“Well, I’ve had the most traumatic last few days. I know I didn’t really tell you much when I called, but I was really out of it.”

“You wanna talk about it?” She asked.

“Well, I do, but I can’t at the moment. I came in here to see if you guys can do without me for a little while. I really need some time off.”

Miriam looked at me with wonder. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Yes, just say you’ll give me this time, and I’ll be okay in a couple weeks.”

“You know I wouldn’t deny you anything. From the looks of you, something big must have happened.”

I looked down and noticed the clothes I was wearing. Designer clothing. Something I’d not worn in a long time. “Yeah, I stayed at my mom’s last night.”

Her eyes got wide. “You’re kidding! Susan, that’s great!” she cried. “Is everything going okay?”

“Well, it’s going to take a lot more time for us, but mom and I have always had a closeness that even our past couldn’t take away. I did find out my father died in January, though.”

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry,” she started to say and I raised my hand to stop her.

“Don’t be sorry. The only thing you should feel for my father is pity - I won’t miss him.”

I looked down at my boots and realized I’d been here longer than I wanted to be. I had to get to Kelly. “Hey, I really have to get going. Thank you for the time off. I really do appreciate it.”

Miriam came from around her desk and enveloped me in a hug. “You’re welcome, honey. You come back when you’re up to it. We’ll be here.” She smiled as she pulled away from me.

“See you later,” I said and left the building.

I walked down the sidewalk towards the Saks building. My stomach was in such knots, I thought I was going to throw up. I took a deep breath and walked into the store. I immediately saw Kelly’s favorite employee, Therese, behind a counter sorting ties. She looked up and saw me and gave me a very friendly smile.

“Hi, Therese. I was looking for Kelly. Is she in?”

“Mmm… I haven’t seen her in awhile. You can go back and check, though. She looked pretty beat, I know seeing you will cheer her up.” She winked at me.

“It will, huh?” I challenged her knowledge of our relationship.

She rose right to the challenge and knocked me on my ass. “I do watch the news, you know,” she said while chuckling. My face instantly blushed remembering the kiss I gave her on a very live newscast. “Don’t worry about it. You guys look good together.”

“Thanks, Therese.” I now knew why Kelly liked her so much. I walked towards Kelly’s office and found the door closed. I knocked after a few moments of trying to calm my nerves. Hearing no response, I knocked again. I grabbed the doorknob and found it unlocked.

“Kelly?” I said as I entered the office. There was no sign of her or her belongings. Obviously, she had left for the day. I turned to leave and a balled up piece of paper caught my eye. Instinctively, I picked it up to throw it into the trashcan when I saw my name written on it. Curiosity got the best of me, and I carefully uncrumpled the piece of paper. I saw my name written a few times on the page, but what I also found, shattered my heart.

I’m looking in a mirror

Where a window used to be

Instead of looking outside

All I see is me

I stare at my reflection

And I begin to cry

What used to give me inspiration

Won’t look me in the eye

How did this change abruptly

I begin to question now

One day I’m feeling more than loved

Today I wonder how

I’m trapped inside my anguish

It’s trapped inside itself

I know I can’t endure more pain

Release me from myself!

Please hear me as I whisper

Please hear me when I pray

Pl ease free me from this hellish ache

That fills me now today

I’ve plunged into this new abyss

That plagues me with despair

Erase this fragrant memory of

The sunshine in her hair.

As the tears rolled down my face, I was startled by Therese’s reappearance. “You find her?”

I wiped my eyes and folded the piece of paper up and put it in my pants pocket. “No, I think she’s gone for the day.”

“Was the door unlocked?” I nodded. “Well, we should lock it when you leave, because she would freak if she realized she left her office open all night.”

“Good idea.” I motioned her towards the door. “I’m done, we can go.”

“All right. If I see her, I’ll tell her you were looking for her.”

“Thanks.”

Therese pulled the door closed after locking the door handle. “You guys have plans for New Years?”

That question brought incredible sadness to my heart. “I don’t know yet. Haven’t really talked about it.”

“Well, if I don’t see you, have a happy New Year.”

“You too.” I waved at her as I tried desperately to run out of the store nonchalantly. I ran to the car and got in and just stared out into the street. I pulled Kelly’s poem from my pocket and reread it three more times.

I turned over the engine and put it in drive. If she wasn’t home when I arrived, then I was going to wait for her.

All night if I had to.

Kelly’s arms were so warm around me. I never thought I’d be here again. I just hoped she could forgive me. I held tight as I continued to cry into her chest. She held me close and rubbed my neck and arms. She was such a loving woman.

I knew we were in for a long talk tonight. I just hoped that she was up for it. I had so much apologizing to do. I really prayed that we could work through this.

I pulled back from Kelly’s embrace and looked into her watery eyes. “Thank you, Kelly. Thank you for talking to me. I know seeing me probably wasn’t first on your list for the night.”

She looked down at me as the tears continued to fall down her beautifully sculpted face. “No, it wasn’t. I really wasn’t expecting you at all.” Silence came between us for a few moments. “Now that you’re here, we do have a lot to talk about.”

“Yeah, we do,” I agreed. “Please, if you’ll allow me to go first?”

Kelly nodded as we pulled apart from each other. We turned on the couch to sit sideways to have a clear view of the other. I took her hands in mine and hoped she believed the words that would soon come from my mouth.

“First, you need to know how sorry I am for what I said. I know you didn’t lure me into your clutches or your bed only to procure a medal from the mayor. It was out of my mouth before I could stop it. When I saw my father’s gravestone, I got so angry.” I squeezed her hands as I spoke. “I got angry because I will never be able to resolve anything with him now. He’ll never know what happened to me because of his bigotry. He’ll never know the hell he put my mom through either.”

“But, what did that have to do with me? Was it that you were still angry about me meeting with your mother?” Kelly asked softly.

“I guess so. I was angry that you didn’t tell me she called you. You lied to me about it to boot. I don’t know if I was ready to see my parents, but I would’ve reacted better if I’d had a say in the matter. You went behind my back to decide MY future with MY parents. That was wrong,” I said sternly looking into her eyes. Her head bowed looking at our hands and then she looked back at me.

“And I apologized for that over and over. I had NO idea your mom was going to call me. I can’t be held responsible for her seeing us on the news, Susan,” Kelly’s words were getting heated. I knew I needed to calm the waters a bit if I wanted to get anywhere tonight.

“I know that. Honey, I really do know that. I just wish you would’ve told me about it, so I could’ve prepared myself. Seeing her in your office was the last thing I ever expected to witness.” I wiped my eyes on the sleeve of my coat and Kelly reached behind her to give me some tissues from the end table. “Thank you,” I said blotting my eyes.

“I didn’t expect her there either. When I called her back she asked to speak to me in person as opposed to talking on the phone. Believe me, had I known this was going to happen, I never would have agreed to it,” Kelly explained more gently this time. “I know I should’ve told you. You don’t know how sorry I am for that.”

I sat and listened to her explain and tried to put myself in her shoes. Would I have said anything if our roles were reversed? Maybe not knowing the angst I felt for them at the time. Maybe she was just trying to protect me. I mechanically slipped my coat off and rested it beside me on the couch.

“I see the engines going in your head, what are you thinking about?”

I smiled at Kelly, “I was just wondering what I would’ve done if I were you in that situation. After realizing how hostile I got from just talking about them, I think I would’ve done the same thing.” Kelly’s eyes widened.

“You would have?” She exclaimed incredulously.

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Now that I’ve had the time to think about it, I know you were just trying to protect me. I know I overreacted. You were only being the middleman and you would’ve told me about talking with her after you found out what she wanted. Right?” I questioned.

“Absolutely! You know I wouldn’t have sent you to the front lines without a damn good weapon,” she smiled softly at me melting my heart once again.

I smiled gently back at her. “I know that now. I was just really freaked out for lack of a better phrase. When you and I went to my mother’s house the other day it was like I was watching everything through someone else’s eyes. It was so surreal for me to be there again; a place I wasn’t welcomed in for five years! Once I was seated in my living room and my mom told me how unhappy her life was because of my father, I realized I wasn’t the only one he’d hurt. I started to actually feel for her again; and it was something other than hate.” Kelly rubbed my wrists gently with her thumbs as I began to recap the last few days.

I took a deep breath feeling the pain of the next thoughts through my head. “Then she told me he was gone. My brain went dead, Kel. I was so angry that I couldn’t even think straight. I had to get out of there before I blew a gasket. As soon as I started running I knew everything would be different. It’s like this coldness came over me. I was so pissed that he was dead!” Kelly’s eyebrows rose with my voice. “I know it sounds kind of whacked, but I wanted him to know what he’d done to us.” I paused to collect myself before I started crying again. “He needed to know the monster he had become; and that he was no longer the man I used to call Daddy.” My voice had dropped in register with my last remark.

Kelly continued to stroke my wrists with her thumbs. She held an extreme sadness with her expression. I knew she was hurting for me, for herself, and for us. “Kelly, I’m sorry about yesterday. I know what a difficult day that must have been for you. It took me awhile to put together that it was the anniversary of your mother’s death. I felt like the worst person on the planet once I saw her stone.”

Her eyes met mine for a moment. “You saw her stone?”

“Yeah. I went looking for you after you ran away. I must have walked around that cemetery forever before I found a caretaker to show me your mom’s plot. I had hoped you would be there, but you weren’t. I saw your footprints so I knew you’d been there before me.”

“Yeah, I was there.” Kelly looked like she was fighting with something before she continued. “I um – I got a call that uh – made me leave,” she paused again and started crying.

My heart flooded with sadness and I threw my arms around her. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Whatever it is, we’ll get through it,” I soothed as I stroked her back. “I’m never leaving you, Kelly. I promise.”

She pulled back from me abruptly. “You can’t make that promise, Susan. You can’t! Death takes whomever it Goddamn wants to whenever it wants to! Don’t tell me you won’t leave me; you don’t know that for certain. No one does.” Her voice sounded so haunted it scared me.

“Kelly, what happened? Who called you?” I knew this pain stemmed from the call she got.

Kelly turned and rested her back against the cushions of the couch and stared off into space. I gave her space to get out whatever it was she needed to tell me.

“The saddest part about the call is that I’m not sure if I can tell you about it.” My eyes registered shock I’m sure. I knew they felt about a mile wide. She kept her eyes completely straight ahead, but her tears continued to fall endlessly. “What happened yesterday hurt me more than I can tell you. I hadn’t had anyone, anyone that mattered, in my life for a long time. I also hadn’t trusted anyone with my heart until you. You shattered it yesterday, Susan. You may have hurt badly, but you crossed a line. You said things to me I never thought I’d hear. Especially not from you.” Kelly turned to face me. “You turned the love we shared into something dirty and calculated. You didn’t even think about the effect you might have had as you ripped my heart out, did you? I was just someone to wipe your soddened boots on, wasn’t I? Well, guess what? I will not be a doormat for anyone, Susan, not even you.”

I stared through my tears at Kelly. I saw the hurt in her eyes. A hurt that I had put there. I wasn’t sure if there was any room in her heart for forgiveness. It was filled with such pain. “Can you ever forgive me, Kelly? If I could change everything that happened yesterday, I would. I’d do everything differently. I swear to God, Kelly! I can’t apologize enough for the things I said. All I can promise you is that I won’t treat you that way again. It wasn’t your fault that my father kicked me out. It wasn’t your fault that he died without knowing how I felt. It wasn’t your fault that I hadn’t tried to see him before now. None of that was your fault, yet I treated you as if you were he. I wanted to hurt him, but you were the one who was there. So I hurt you instead. I’ll never forgive myself for the way I treated you, Kelly. I acted without thinking and I’m truly, truly sorry for that. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Kelly blinked away her tears and rested her head against the cushions again, sighing deeply. “I know.”

We sat in silence for several minutes not quite knowing what to say. A whimper from Matty got my attention and I got up to let her out. Kelly gave my hand a light squeeze as I passed her to open the back door for the dog.

“Come on girl, let’s get you outside.” I opened the door and let her out. I watched Matty run around the backyard with my arms wrapped around my upper body.

“My grandma died.” I heard the small voice say behind me.

I turned around slowly not believing I’d heard correctly. Looking at Kelly’s forlorn face I knew I’d not misheard her. “Oh my God, sweetie. When?” I immediately was kneeling before her taking her hands into my own.

“Yesterday,” she whispered hoarsely.

I drew her to me and pulled her into a strong embrace. “I’m so sorry, honey. I’m so, so sorry,” I whispered to her over and over as she cried out her grief. I couldn’t believe this was happening to her.

Kelly clung to me; fresh sobs continued to come from within her. I knew she was crumbling inside and could do nothing about it. I held her for a long time, and waited for her spasms to lessen. When they finally did, I pulled slowly from our embrace and peppered her face with tiny, loving kisses.

“I can’t say it enough. I’m so sorry about your grandmother.”

She looked at me with watery eyes and forced a pained smile, “I really wanted her to meet you.”

I stroked her cheek with the back of my knuckles. “She knows me now, honey.”

“I suppose. It’s just not quite the same, you know?” Kelly sounded like such a young child as she spoke.

“I do, sweetie, I do.” I looked at her trying to convey the love I had for her with my eyes.

“I love you,” she said before she embraced me again.

My heart skipped several beats knowing how hard this has been for her. “I love you, too, Kel. More than I can ever say.”

She pulled away from our embrace and cupped my face gently with her hands. Our eyes locked with such intensity I thought I would combust. Kelly’s lips devoured mine before I knew what was happening. Her kiss was demanding and strong. Her tongue bathed my own with dominating strokes. I knew she was looking for a connection. I needed this like I needed air. We needed this so we could believe in us again.

I rose from my kneeling position without breaking contact and climbed into Kelly’s lap. She grasped onto me with zealous passion. Her fervor excited me incredibly. I returned her heated kisses tenfold. She rolled us into a laying position, peeling her coat off as we sunk into each other. More articles of clothing were shed from her and myself. I couldn’t get close enough to Kelly. I was bursting with such desire, I felt feint. I wanted to feel her skin against my own. Once we stripped off our clothing, and kicked off our shoes, we began an age-old rhythm of love and passion.

I heard Kelly groaning in my ear while she moved against me. The sounds she was making, made my toes curl instantly. Her thigh moved deliberately between my legs, and I moved mine between hers. Our movements were rough, synchronized and incredibly hot. Her hand found my left nipple and began to tug and twist it between her thumb and forefinger. I was so close, but I didn’t want to come until Kelly was ready.

I grabbed onto her behind to urge her to move faster against me. I wanted to feel all of her passion. I needed all of it. She looked down into my eyes and I could tell she was just about there. We drove into each other desperately seeking release. The sweat began to drip onto me from Kelly’s shoulders and arms.

“Come on, baby, I know you’re there,” I said sexily to her. “I’m right there with you.” I watched as her face began to contort from the pleasure racing through her. “That’s right, honey. Let go. Let me feel you.”

“Oh fuck…” Kelly whimpered as she thrust blindly into me. We crested together and screamed out our gratification. We continued to move until the spasms left our bodies. Her forehead rested on my shoulder as she kissed me softly around my collarbone and breast. “I love you so much, baby.”

I held tightly to Kelly so she wouldn’t see my tears again. We’d cried way too much this night already. “I love you. No more fighting, I promise,” I managed to say as I recovered from my intense orgasm. “I hate feeling like that.”

“Me too.” I could feel her body slow down as our breathing came back to normal.

Our lips came together once again; this time was gentler and much softer. We came apart and stared into each other’s eyes until a soft bark was heard from the outside porch. Kelly buried her head into my chest and began to chuckle. She kissed me again and started to get up.

“I’ll get her.” She pulled herself off of me and walked her beautifully naked body to the backdoor. Matty came bounding inside shaking her coat free of the frozen rain that had begun to fall.

I sat up and watched the interaction between human and canine. They were a precious duo and I hoped to see more of them on a daily basis. I had forgotten how long 24 hours could be. I knew I would do anything to prevent a separation from Kelly. Once was enough for my lifetime.

Kelly walked over to the couch and gathered our clothing. “Do you think we could continue this upstairs?”

That was music to my ears. “Absolutely. I need to call my mother first and let her know I’ll be staying here. ” I paused to clarify Kelly’s offer. “I am staying the night, yes?”

She leaned over me and gave me a soul filled kiss. “Definitely.”

I could feel the goose bumps start to dance all over my body. “Let me make that call before you make me forget.”

“Forget what?” She asked as she pinned me to the couch with another searing kiss.

“Mmmm - ” I sank into her kiss then pushed her back when I realized I’d been had. “Go on. I’ll meet you upstairs,” I said breathlessly.

She pecked my lips again and smiled saucily at me. “I’ll be waiting.”

I watched as she swayed her gorgeous ass until she walked out of sight. “Jesus,” I breathed out. I picked up the phone and called my mother. I knew she’d answer. I’d called from Kelly’s driveway earlier telling her the situation.

After letting my mom know my whereabouts, I shut off the lights and went upstairs to make up with my girlfriend. I was compelled to show her exactly how much I missed her. It was going to take some convincing on my part.

I had a feeling she was going to like my version of coercion.

As I rested my head on the slow beating chest of Kelly, I realized how close we had been to losing this. All of this. Even though we’d only been together a few weeks, I knew that neither of us had ever had anything so special before now. We were great together that was for sure. Much better than being apart.

After last night I knew we’d be all right. Ok, very all right. Our connection was one that I knew I wouldn’t find with anyone else. We were soul mates, nothing more, and nothing less. It would take a force greater than either one of us to pull us apart. I felt very safe knowing that. A smile came to my face as I felt Kelly move slightly beneath me. Her hand unconsciously started to rub my head in slow circles sending goose flesh down my body. A simple touch, an act of tenderness, is what makes me love Kelly so much. She does those things and so much more without even realizing she’s done them. I was such a fool. Never again would I risk losing her… never ever again.

“What are you thinking?” I heard her hoarsely ask.

“I’m thinking about how lucky we are to have this again.” I smiled and inhaled Kelly’s scent from the blankets wrapped around us.

Her arms drew me even closer to her. I felt her kiss the top of my head. “Thank you for coming over last night.”

“You’re welcome.”

We lay together not speaking for several moments simply enjoying the feel of each other. We didn’t speak much after I came upstairs. Kelly gave me far too much to do with my mouth. I smiled in memory of our lovemaking. The gooseflesh came back with my recollection.

“Are you cold?” Kelly asked, gathering more of the blanket around us.

I shook my head against her chest. “No, just thinking about last night. It was fantastic, Kelly. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never felt like that before.”

I felt Kelly’s chuckle rumble through her chest and she kissed my head once more. “No, I can honestly agree that no one has ever made me feel what we felt last night.”

I turned up to look at her and locked with her gentle eyes. Our lips met softly as she caressed my cheek with her thumb. As we pulled apart she stared into my eyes and I felt whole once more. She smiled softly and pulled me down onto her chest, cushioning my head with her breast. Her tender touches against my back and shoulders made me sigh in contentment. I felt my body relax fully into her and knew I’d be asleep within minutes. It was still early; we still had a few hours to kill.

After Susan pulled out of my driveway, my heart felt so much lighter. The weight of the world didn’t feel so heavy anymore. I had my grandmother’s funeral still ahead of me, but with Susan at my side, I felt like I could do anything.

I was happy to hear that she and her mother were doing so well. We both knew there was a lot that needed to be said and worked out, but there was something that wasn’t there before…hope. We had hope. It was a word that was so foreign to me for such a long time. It’s in my vocabulary once again and I truly believe it will remain there. I still had a bone to pick with God about some things, but all in all, having hope alone, was a miracle to me.

As I sat on my couch flipping through channels on TV, I marveled at how much we’d shared in the few weeks we’d known each other. It felt like we’d been together for years. I can’t say that about many people. Even though we’d hurt each other, there was a bond between us that couldn’t be broken.

Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. A new year. I needed a new year because this one was really starting to wear on me.

Big Time.

Mom was sitting on the couch waiting for me as I entered the family room. She smiled at me and I couldn’t help but return the gesture.

“I take it things are okay between you two?” She asked.

Not hiding my excitement, I plopped onto the seat next to hers and beamed. “We’re going to be just fine, Mom. We have such a strong connection it would take Hell freezing to pull us apart.”

She reached for my hand and I let her take it. “I’m so happy for you, sweetie.” The look on my face must have read doubt because she was quick to add, “I truly mean that.”

Looking into her eyes, I saw nothing but truth in her words. “Thank you.”

We exchanged smiles and I leaned into her, resting my head on her shoulder. She reached up and stroked my hair. I sighed in response. “I missed you so much, Mom. I really hope this is a new beginning for us. I missed having my best friend around.”

I felt my mom’s breathing change and knew I’d struck a chord in her. Turning my head, I noticed a tear rolling down her cheek. Brushing it away she said, “Susan, if I have to pay with my soul in the afterlife, I will do everything in my power to make it right between us. I won’t lose you again, to anyone.” She reached around and held me tightly.

After several moments, I pulled back and looked at my mother for the first time. Really looked at her. She’d aged so much in five years. Wondering what she’d been up to, I voiced my question aloud. “So tell me, what have you been up to since I’ve been away? I mean besides losing Daddy.”

Her face registered a brief moment of pain, but changed into a sad smile. “After your father passed away, I tried to obtain the life I denied myself for so long. I took an art class, some sculpting and whatnot. It gave me some of the peace I’d been looking for.”

“Mom, that’s great. I’m so glad that helped.”

She smiled in agreement. “It did. When he died, all the chains melted away and I was free to do what I wanted. I had freedom! For the longest time I had no idea what that was. Now I just take things day by day. If I feel the need to do something, then I do it. If I want to laze around all day, then by God, I do it,” she said with a confidence that surprised me.

Her expression took on one of deep warmth and love. “Finding you has been the greatest thing of all though. I prayed that I’d find you again. I’d lost hope of that so long ago, then I saw you and Kelly on the news of all places. Sucking face I might add,” she teased and nudged me.

“Mom!” I cried, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks.

“What? Don’t you kids call it that anymore?” She raised her eyebrows in question.

“It’s not that, you just surprised me, is all.”

She patted my shoulder and continued. “Anyway, here we are after all of that and I couldn’t ask for anything more.” She looked at me with such love in her eyes it made mine water. “Thank you for coming back to me.”

Filled with too much emotion, I opted not to say anything, but rested my head again on her shoulder. I felt her breathing increase and knew she had more to say. “What is it, Mom?”

“Will you tell me what it was like for you… out there? I want to know – I need to know.”

I raised my head again and looked into her determined eyes. “It’s not a pretty picture. Let me simply say I wouldn’t wish that life on anyone and leave it at that, okay?”

“No!” She exclaimed startling me a little. She took a deep breath and composed herself before speaking again. “No, it’s not okay, Susan. It was my cowardly behavior that put you there in the first place. I want to know what happened to my baby. Please, Susan. Please tell me.”

Seeing the saddened unwavering expression on her face, I knew there was no way I could get out of this without telling her the truth. The whole truth. “Well, if you let me grab something to drink first, I’ll tell you. It’s going to be hard on me to relive some of that again.”

“I’m so sorry, Susan.”

“I know, Mom, I know.” I kissed the side of her head and walked into the kitchen that I knew so well. I grabbed a glass and filled it with water and returned to my mom who hadn’t moved from her place on the couch. Sitting back down and taking a deep breath, I began to tell my mother of the nightmares that were once my life.

A couple hours and five glasses of water later, I told my mother more than she could’ve possibly expected to hear. The tears never stopped from the time I started until now. She went to the bathroom a few minutes ago to try to wash her face and compose herself. I truly doubt she was prepared to hear what her little girl had to do to survive. Sometimes, I still can’t believe I’m here at all. There were many times I thought death was imminent. Staring at its ugly face so many times I thought for sure I was next. Carol made sure my number was nowhere near up.

Mom returned a few moments later looking a little less pale. “You feeling a little better?” I asked gently.

She nodded and sat quietly on the couch. “I had no idea people could live through things like that.” She looked at me with such respect and awe. “I’m so grateful you made it out of there alive and back to me.” She shook her head over and over. “I can’t believe I led you to such a place. How can you ever forgive me?”

That was the million-dollar question. A few weeks ago I would’ve answered it quite negatively. Now I wasn’t eager to be mean, nor was I wanting to push the dagger deeper. I knew she was devastatingly sorry, but I also knew that she didn’t have it in her to protect me back then. The retelling of my tale probably hurt her more than I can imagine. What mother wants to hear about the hell she put her own child through? She deserved an honest answer. “I’ll tell you this much, Mom. And I’m going to be completely honest with you.”

“Okay,” she said softly.

“If you’d asked me that question awhile ago, I would’ve told you to go straight to Hell.” I watched as she flinched at my brutal honesty. “Now that I’m here with you, and have heard of your own Hell that daddy so nicely provided, well, I can’t feel that anger anymore. I will never forget what happened to me, because it’s made me the woman I am right now… but I can forgive you, Mom. It just might take me awhile. I don’t want any secrets or pain between us anymore. I just want you to promise me one thing.”

Her eyes met mine, waiting like a puppy, wanting to please me regardless of what I asked. “Anything, Susan.”

“Promise me you’ll never turn your back on me again.” The tears rolled down my face as the truth of my own words hit my heart. “I couldn’t bear to lose you again.”

Mother reached across the empty cushion and grabbed onto me with a vise grip. “Oh sweetheart, I promise you. I will never let anyone take you from me again. Nothing but death can take me from you. Even then I’m not so sure,” she sobbed into my shoulder as we rocked away our pain.

Having my mother hold me again gave me peace. A peace I never wanted to leave again. I pulled away and just looked at my mom for the longest time. Remembering her from my childhood, how happy we were in this house. I looked around the family room and felt more warmth spread through me. It was so beautiful here. It made me not want to return to my hole-in-the-wall apartment. Ever.

My mother looked at me with a concerned look on her face. “What is it, honey?” she said, putting a voice to her expression.

“I was just thinking about how happy we were when I was a kid. This house is in all my memories of my youth until that awful day. I love it here.”

“Well, sweetie, you know you are welcome here anytime you want. You could even…” she stopped and looked away.

“What were you going to say, Mom? Remember, no more secrets, okay?”

She cleared her throat and clasped my hands. “What I was going to say was that you could move back here if you wanted to. I mean, I know we’ve only just begun to work everything out, but I think it would be great to have you here with me again.”

My eyes teared up again as I listened to her heartfelt offer. “My lease isn’t up for a few months yet, but if things continue like this, I would love to move back here with you.”

“You just say the word, sweetheart. This home will always be yours.”

“Thanks, Mom. That means the world to me.” I reached over and hugged her tight.

We would’ve stayed like this longer, but the ringing of the phone startled us. She pulled slowly from me and reached for the cordless phone on the coffee table. Clearing her throat, she answered it.

“Hello?” She listened to the caller’s voice and smiled. “Hi, Kelly… no we’re fine, just catching up… Yes, she’s right here, hang on a moment.” She passed the phone to me and I couldn’t help the excited grin that formed on my face.

“Hi, honey,” I greeted.

“Hey, baby, how are things going with your mom?” she asked with a light tone to her voice.

“Things are fine. A little hard for mom right now since she heard an unabridged version of my time away from home.” I gave my mom a comforting glance and grasped her hand.

“God, I’m sure that was hard for her to hear. I know just from the few things I’ve heard, how awful things were for you.”

“Yeah, her pallor kind of scared me at first, but she washed her face and came back from the bathroom looking much better.”

“That’s good to hear. Listen, we haven’t talked about this, but tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Would you and your mom like to have dinner with me to celebrate the New Year? I’m thinking of having Sally over, too.”

“Sally?”

“I’m sorry, I guess I didn’t mention her. She was my gram’s neighbor and good friend. She found gram… um…after her stroke,” her voice sounded like it was beginning to cloud with emotion. “So um… I got to thinking that maybe we could all use a bit of family right about now, and um…”

“We’d love to!” I cut off her nervousness with my confident answer. I hadn’t asked mom, but I was sure she’d want to participate. “I think it’s what we all need right about now, “ I mimicked her words.

“Are you making fun of me?” she teased.

“Absolutely not!” I feigned indignance.

“Good, then come to my place around five.”

“What should we bring?”

“Just yourselves, you know how much I love to cook,” she said with a smile in her voice.

“I do, and I remember how well you cook, too. I can’t wait to see you,” I said the last part in a whisper, watching my mother leave the room.

“I can’t wait to see you either.”

“I miss you,” I whispered again.

“How much?”

“Very much.”

“Can I see you tonight?”

“Well, mom and I aren’t doing anything except chatting, maybe watching a movie or something. Why, what did you have planned?”

“Well…” I cut her off, hearing the doorbell ring. “Hang on a second, someone’s at the door.”

“Sure.”

“Mom? You want me to get it?” I called to her not hearing an answer. I called out again, “Mom?”

“Susan, hang up the phone,” I heard my mother say from the other room.

“Why?” Confused, I walked towards the front door only to find Kelly holding the cell phone to her ear with my mother smiling back at me.

“Because it’s a waste of my minutes when I can talk to you face to face,” Kelly said, ending our phone connection.

“You think you’re so funny,” I said, lunging to her and hugging her with enthusiasm.

“I know I am, but looks aren’t everything,” she said into my cheek.

I pulled back staring at her like she had two heads. “You aren’t the least bit funny looking, Kelly. I’ll have you know I have excellent taste!” I mocked indignation only to have her laugh at me.

Mom cleared her throat, pointing at the still open door. “Can I close this now? I’m not heating the neighborhood, you know.”

Our faces blushed a little at her comment and we both walked into the foyer of the house.

“Would you like to eat with us and maybe watch a movie?” Mom asked, smiling at Kelly.

“Well, if I’m not imposing I would love it.” Kelly paused for a moment and looked between my mother and I. “I don’t really want to be alone.”

My mother reached up and lightly grasped Kelly’s arm. “You can stay as long as you need to. This is more company than I’ve had in a long time.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate it.” Kelly’s eyes were red rimmed. She looked as if she were crying before she got here.

“Are you okay, honey?”

She sighed deeply and mom took that as her cue to leave us alone. She smiled warmly at us and put out her hand for Kelly’s coat. Kelly happily shrugged out of her coat and gave it to my mother to hang in the hall closet. Mom looked at us one last time and strolled into the kitchen.

I laced my fingers with hers and gestured with my head to the stairs. “Wanna go up to my room? Um…my old room?” I corrected.

“It will always be your room!” Mom shouted from the kitchen.

“Boy, the walls have ears!” I countered, hearing a chuckle from the other room. Looking seriously at Kelly again I said, “Come on, let’s go talk upstairs. You can get a visual from the stories I’ve told you about this place.”

Kelly nodded and followed me up the stairs. She paused to look at the family pictures on the walls and just smiled at each one. “You were such a cute baby!” she cooed at my six-month-old picture.

“Were? Oh, the cruelty of some people,” I said, pretending to be hurt. Grabbing her hand, I led her into my bedroom.

Looking around, Kelly’s smile increased when she saw the twin beds I spoke of. She sat down on my bed and bounced a little on the mattress. “So, this is the bed where it all happened, eh?” She winked at me when she realized I caught her Cindy reference.

“Yep, the very same. Jealous?” I wiggled my eyebrows at her.

“Of a memory? Not even close,” she whispered, pulling me into her lap.

Humming softly with happiness, I accepted the tenderness Kelly was giving to me. It was bliss to be in her arms. The arms around me tightened and I could hear and feel her breathing pattern change. “Honey, what is it? I can tell from your eyes you’ve been crying. You don’t hide your emotions well, sorry to say,” I said softly.

Kelly sniffled quietly and shrugged her shoulders, almost childlike. “I thought I did an okay job until recently. I’m breaking down in front of everyone these days!” I looked at her lost expression and waited for her to continue. “When I saw Sally yesterday, I totally broke down at her apartment. I don’t cry in front of just anyone, Susan. But there I was in Sally’s arms crying like a little baby.”

Putting my fingers gently on her lips, I began to convince her otherwise. “First of all, you are my baby and I love that fact. Secondly, sweetheart, you just lost your grandma for Christ’s sake! I know how much she meant to you. If you weren’t upset by this, I’d have more concern for you. It’s only natural to cry when you lose someone you loved. Especially on your mom’s anniversary, I mean come on! There’s only so much one person can take! I’d have lost it for sure!” I ran my fingers through her silky hair, calming her frazzledness. Her head rested on my breast while I continued to console her. “I’m sure Sally understood, she loved your grandma, right?” I felt her nod against my chest. “See? Don’t worry about that stuff. You’ve heard of the phrase, ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff’ right? Well, here it is again,” I answered without waiting for her response.

Kelly’s head came up and our eyes locked together. A small smile made its way to Kelly’s lips. “I love you so much, baby. I hope you realize how much.”

“I do, sweetie, I do.” We hugged again and stayed that way for a few moments. “So guess what? After talking with my mom, she said I could move back here whenever I wanted.”

Our bodies separated enough for her to look at me squarely. “Are you ready for that?”

“Honestly, I think I am. I know in my heart that we’ll be fine. And God knows this place is heaven compared to my apartment. But unfortunately, the lease isn’t up for a few months, so, I guess I’ll just stay there until it’s up.”

“Can you get out of it? I mean, if you wanted to.”

Shaking my head, I replied, “I don’t have the money. There is a fine and they keep my deposit if I break the lease. I’m not in a position to do that.” She smiled goofily at me. “What?”

“Honey, if money is the only obstacle, don’t you think we could get around that?”

“Meaning…”

“Meaning, if you wanted to come home, I’m sure your mother or I could figure out a way to get you here sooner. If that’s what you wanted of course,” she reiterated.

“No way, Kelly. I don’t want you doing anything like that. We’re talking a couple thousand dollars. I’ll stay there until it’s up. I’ve been there awhile already, it’s fine.”

“You deserve more than fine, baby.” I started to protest but she silenced me with her fingers on my mouth this time. “I’m just saying, it can be a reality if you want it to be. There… I’m done now,” she said with a nod.

“As much as I appreciate the offer, I’ll wait it out.”

We grinned at each other until my stomach growled loudly. Kelly laughed heartily when she heard the sound. “I guess that answers my next question.”

“Which was…”

“Were you getting hungry, because I’m famished and would love some dinner.”

I smiled back at her. “Yes, I am hungry, thank you very much! Let’s go harass mom into ordering a pizza!” I said excitedly.

“You’re on!”

We shared a tender kiss and made our way down to the kitchen.

Pulling the bread out of the oven, I checked the time on the wall clock, reading 4:50. “They should be here soon, Matty!” I said in a singsong voice to my dog that happily wagged her tail on the linoleum floor.

I rested the pan on the stove to cool before I removed the loaf. Lasagna had always been one of my favorites, so I was hoping it would work for the rest of the clan. I placed the pasta in the warmer on the dining room table and looked out the snow-covered window. I was saddened that Sally had made other plans and couldn’t come out tonight, but she was spending it with her family.

I guess we all had the same idea.

The doorbell rang and Matty barked and ran to greet her friends at the door. Wiping my hands on a dishtowel, I walked to the foyer to open the door. The snow had been falling at a rapid pace today. At least four inches of snow had fallen without any signs of stopping. Opening the door, the first face I saw was my angel’s. Susan looked up at me, with snowflakes adorning her head and shoulders, stared all of the love out of herself and into me. For this one moment in time, I felt complete. No troubles, no fears, no pain. I felt only love. This woman was the reason for all of this. Never again, would I let her out of my life.

Pulling her to me, I squeezed gently. Taking in her scent, I whispered quietly into her ear, “God, I missed you last night.”

Pulling out of my embrace, Susan smiled at me. “You could’ve stayed over, you know. Mom said it was okay.”

Smiling and waving at Susan’s mother who was walking towards us, I replied. “I know, but Matty is here, and I had a whole lotta shopping to do today. Thank God I got it done before all this snow dropped.”

Nudging Susan aside playfully, Elise stretched up on her tiptoes to give me a hug. “Happy New Year, Kelly.”

I returned her hug completely. “Happy New Year, Elise.” Realizing my manners were still on the snowy stoop, I offered them the warmth of my home. “Please, come in and out of this wet stuff.”

“Thanks,” they said simultaneously, then laughed at themselves.

“You’re just in time. I just took dinner out of the stove,” I said, my stomach growling at the smells wafting in through the kitchen.

Both women took deep breaths and hummed happily in unison, “Mmmm.”

I looked at them with a crooked grin on my face. “Are you guys linked tonight or what?”

They both answered, “Looks like it!” They both leaned down to take off their shoes, bumping into each other as they were hunched.

I rolled my eyes as the women laughed again. Taking their wet coats and gloves and hanging them in the closet to dry, I led them into the family room where Matty would no longer be denied. Barking at her new best friend, Matty looked at Susan pitifully.

“Oh, yes, my girl. How are you, sweetie? Were you a good girl, keeping mommy company last night?” Matty shamelessly rolled onto her back with Susan taking the hint to scratch her tummy.

“She’s a pleasure hound, what can I say?” I said, laughing at the display in front of me.

“Just like your mommy, right?” Susan cooed at my pup, making her wriggle with joy.

“She’s beautiful, Kelly. Is she a golden retriever?” Elise asked, also smiling at her daughter’s antics with Matty.

“Yellow lab, actually. She’s really a great dog.”

Susan returned her attention to Elise and myself. “So? I remember hearing something about food.”

This time Elise rolled her eyes. “That’s my girl. Always thinking with her stomach first.”

“Damn right. You of all people know what I’m like when I haven’t eaten.”

“Don’t remind me.”

The subtle banter between mother and daughter brought a melancholy feel to my heart. I missed that part of my mom’s and my relationship.

Feeling a warm hand on my forearm, I looked into Elise’s comforting eyes. “They’re both here tonight, Kelly. You can be sure of that.”

Swallowing the lump of emotion in my throat, I replied hoarsely, “I know. I’ll never stop missing them. Mom especially. She loved celebrating the holidays.”

We all exchanged sad smiles and deciding to change the mood, I suggested we go and sit. “If you guys take a seat in the dining room, I’ll bring the rest of dinner out.”

“Can we help with anything?” Susan chimed in.

“No, baby. Just show your mom the way, and I’ll be in shortly.”

“Ok,” she said, standing on her toes to give me a tender kiss. Realizing I hadn’t opened the wine, I called to Susan. “Baby, you can do something for me, actually.”

“Sure, honey.”

“Will you open the wine on the table? The corkscrew is next to the bottle.”

“You got it!” she said with a wink.

Watching Susan escort her mother into the dining room, I sliced the loaf of bread, and placed it into a linen covered basket. The lasagna was on the table, as was the wine, so all that was left was the bread and myself.

Walking into the dining room, basket in hand, I saw my new family patiently waiting for me to join them. “Here’s the last of it. Let’s dig in!” I said with a toothy smile.

As I walked around to my seat, Susan stood and pulled my chair out for me. “Paybacks for our first date.”

I smiled in memory of our first night together. Complete strangers breaking bread, sharing heartfelt memories for the first time. It seemed to me that ours was a predetermined reunion of souls. How else could I explain our bond?

“Thanks, Susan,” I said, pulling my chair closer to the table.

“It looks and smells wonderful, Kelly,” Elise complimented, Susan nodding along in agreement.

“Well, I’ve always loved a good lasagna, so I hoped you both did as well.”

“One of my favorites, too. Let’s tear into it!” Susan said excitedly.

Laughing, I handed her the serving knife. “Would you care to do the honors?”

“Absolutely!” she cried, almost ripping the knife from my grasp.

Serving huge portions to all of us, Susan sat down and filled my glass with the Merlot I’d selected for dinner. Holding her glass high in the air, her mother and myself mimicked her actions. “To old and new friends… new relationships and reconciliations,” Susan began.

“Here here!” Elise and I started to toast but were stopped by Susan’s hand.

“Hang on, I’m not done yet.” She took a deep breath and a flush suddenly colored her cheeks. Filled with emotion, she stood and continued, “The similarities between you both are endless. I love you both more than I can say, and sadly, I almost lost you. Mom, I did lose you when our lives were ripped apart by hatred and fear. Daddy acted out and did what he thought was best. Unfortunately, his best wasn’t good for anyone but him. I lost my mom and my best friend the day he kicked me out. Now that we’re together again, nothing will ever come between us. I feel sorry for anyone that even tries. We’ll work this out and we’ll be stronger because of it. I love you, Mama.” Susan leaned down and kissed her mother tenderly on her cheek. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Elise stood clumsily and leaned over to hug her little girl. The sounds of small cries filled the room, with Susan and her mom in a tight embrace. Sniffling as they pulled apart, Susan’s mother handed her a napkin to wipe her tears. Looking over to me, Susan’s moist eyes locked with my own. “Your turn,” she choked out.

“Be gentle,” I teased.

Clearing her throat, she captured one of my hands with one of her own. “Kelly, you are my heart and soul and I will never be as grateful as I was the day you walked up to me. You’ve changed my life so much. When we met, I was a scared, tattered, and lonely young woman. I had a little voice in my head that would always be at war with me on any decisions I made. I was so self-conscious and I had absolutely no self-worth. In that short time, you’ve calmed my soul and eased away my fears. Rejection had always been the forefront in my life. Being away from real relationships and love for so long had really taken its toll on me. When you wanted to take me out, I was terrified that it was undermined by some reason other than you just finding an interest in me. Now, before you think anything else, that was before I knew the woman that’s in front of me. People used me for whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, then discarded me like trash.” Susan’s mother continued to softly cry during Susan’s toast. My throat was constricting with so much emotion, I wasn’t sure I would be tear-free by the time she was finished.

“You came along on your white horse and saved me from a world that I never thought I’d escape again. You freely opened your heart and showed me everything you had to offer. I would’ve been a fool not to accept such a gift. I’m so glad I didn’t.” Looking over briefly at her mother, she put down her glass and took her mother’s hand, linking us all together. “You brought my mother back to me. You didn’t think of anything or anyone but me and my happiness. Bringing her back to me was a huge risk, since you didn’t know how I would react. Sadly, I reacted rather badly. I know now, in my heart, you did it out of love for me and I will never be able to thank you enough. I know how much you miss your mom and if I could bring her back to you, I would without hesitation. Instead, I offer to you the only thing I am able. Me, Susan McGovern, and I promise you, that I will take good care of your heart from now on. I will love you for as long as you’ll have me, and so help me God, I promise never to hurt you like I did at the cemetery. You are the most precious gift I have ever received and I swear… I swear that I will treasure you until the end of time,” Susan choked out the rest of her toast. I jumped up to embrace the woman that had stolen my heart completely. I sobbed into her, feeling so much inside of me.

“Thank you, baby. Thank you so much,” I managed to squeak out. Looking over at her mother, I saw that she hadn’t stopped crying. “Come here, mom,” I said, extending my arm out for her to take. Stepping into our group hug, Susan’s mother held tightly to us. “Boy, when I asked you both over for dinner, I had no idea we’d be having a crying fest!” I cried out through my tears.

Taking a cleansing breath, Susan’s mom spoke softly. “I am so glad you are a part of my little girl’s life. I know you will keep her safe and loved forever. I’m thankful you both have found each other. It’s pretty clear that the fates new what they were doing when they matched you gals up. I haven’t met two people that were more deserving of the other than you. Thank you for loving my daughter so much that it brought her back to me, Kelly.”

Kissing Elise’s forehead, I replied, “You don’t have to thank me. It is my pleasure to love her. I pledge to you both, that I will continue to do so every minute of every day, until I am no longer. Even then, I have a feeling we’ll meet up again, one day. Like you said, the fates have a way of making things happen. I’m just grateful that I was on the receiving end of their offering to the love altar.” We all chuckled at my lame attempt to be witty.

“Oh, that was bad, sweetheart,” Susan groaned, sniffling away her tears.

“See what you have to look forward to? Years and years of my glorious sense of humor.”

Trying to break free of our circle, Susan teased, “You sure it’s not too late to run?”

Pulling her back to me, I replied, “Yes, I’m very sure.” Looking down at our cooling plates of food, I tried to regain my hostess status. “If we’re done snotting all over each other, I’d love to eat now.”

Smacking me in the stomach, Susan cried out, “Eww! Kelly, that’s gross.”

“Just another of my wonderful qualities. All for you, baby. All for you.” I kissed the top of her head and we all sat down in our seats to eat.

Finally.

Dinner was wonderful, once our emotions were, at long last, under control. Susan’s mother was charming and funny and all the things I saw in her daughter. It was easy to see whose side of the family Susan resembled. Our time together passed quickly and before we knew it, Father New Year made his entrance precisely at midnight.

With champagne flutes in hand, our glasses clinked in sync with the chimes on the clock. We toasted the coming New Year and prayed for a better time for us all. We sat in the family room with a warm fire blazing in the hearth. The snow had prevented Susan and her mother from leaving, which was completely fine with me. I loved their company and knew it was something I would enjoy more and more with each passing day.

The light snores coming from the small body nestled beside me, told me Susan was down for the count with her mother right along side her. Looking to the mantle of my fireplace, I saw the picture of me with my mom and grandmother. Saying a silent prayer of love and thanks to them, I felt the warmth of the hugs they sent from above. I knew the pain of losing them would lessen with each day. Hell, Gram’s funeral might even be bearable with the love and support I received from Susan and her mother. Life goes on when we least want it to. It’s the hardest lesson I’ve had to learn. Wanting to shrivel up and wait for my time to come will never again be in my thoughts. That was a Kelly who was young and looking to find redemption for a wrong she couldn’t right. I have finally found a calm within myself, and with that came a love, a peace and a place to call home.

Well, it’s finally finished. What’s 18 months right? I want to thank everyone that has sent such wonderful feedback for this story. I really appreciate all of you that have stuck it out with me. It’s truly been a cleansing for me and you’ve been a part of a support system that I needed more than you know. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.