Page 64 of Jake's Angel

The emotional rollercoaster I’ve been on, the pain of rejection, it has had my stomach in knots. Or maybe it’s the drinks we had last night.

Liz, being the perfect hostess, was serving us a pitcher of something she called ‘Taming of the Shrew.’ A clubhouse favorite Sadie’s friend Jinx created for the women. I have no idea what was in it, other than copious amounts of alcohol, but it was so sweet, and so good, we couldn’t stop drinking it.

Should’ve been my first clue to stop.

It was another way to distract me from reality. I’ve been lied to. Abandoned. Left in that cold, empty, loveless house with the Ice Queen.

Shewas supposedly the best choice to be my guardian.

Someone missed the mark there.

“Mmm.” Sadie groans from beside me on the bed. “Too early. Headache.”

“I believe the term you’re looking for is hangover.”

“Shh.” She pulls her pillow over her head, blocking me out.

My backpack and duffle bag are sitting in a chair in the corner near the window. The denim curtains with a white valance made from white bandannas with a paisley print on them are blowing with the breeze. The denim comforter on the bed has the same white bandannas sewn around it in a border. It appears to be handmade.

I take a moment to soak in my surroundings.

There’s a black-and-white poster sized picture of Marilyn Monroe smiling and carefree up on the wall to the left of the bed. A black-and-white picture of Lucille Ball, with her tongue out, dancing around in a bucket and pressing grapes into wine, is located right beside it. It’s one of my favorite episodes.

A small dresser sits in the corner with a couple of framed pictures on top. Hesitantly, I roll out of bed, trying not to disturb Sadie. The carpet is soft on my bare feet, muffling the sound of my steps as I walk to the dresser and pick up the pictures one by one to get a better look.

One is of a baby, a little girl, sitting on the grass on a pink blanket wearing a denim overall dress and a white bonnet, her head thrown back in laughter. I run my finger back and forth over the glass, tears filling my eyes.

I grab my bag and make quick work of changing my clothes. I turn the doorknob, slowly opening the door, and make for the bathroom to handle my morning rituals.

After washing my face and doing my morning business, I open the door of the bathroom, intent on going back to the bedroom with Sadie and not coming out for as long as I can get away with.

Someone softly knocks before cracking open the bedroom door. Liz pokes her head in. Noticing the frame I’m holding in my hand, she comes over, grabbing the corner and says, “You were laughing at your father in this picture.”

“My, uh, Gramps. He has this same photo in a frame on his desk at his office.”

She smiles, her eyes staring fixedly at the photo as she rubs her finger over the glass. “It was your first birthday and your mother’s favorite picture from that day. We had a big party for you. The entire club and their families came, and spoiled you with presents, but this moment here was the one she wanted to remember the most.”

“Gramps was here?” She glances over at my question.

“There was a table off to the side there. You can’t see it in the picture. Gabriel was pretending to sneak a bite of your birthday cake, and you were smiling at his little game while Lisa took your picture. In this shot here, when he leaned in, Maggie pushed him into the cake. You squealed and giggled.” Her smile widens. “Lisa captured the moment perfectly.”

“Mack’s wife?” She nods. I remember meeting her a few times when she visited Mack and Sadie. She’s a nurse.

Liz places the photo back on the dresser, then turns her attention back to my face, lifting my chin with her finger. “Speaking of which, she’ll be here in a little while to check on you. You gave us quite a scare.”

At my confused expression, she continues to explain. “Passing out around this bunch constitutes a reason for a nurse visit.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“I passed out?” I must’ve drunk more than I thought. “It was probably the drinks someone gave me.” I pointedly accuse.

“Maybe, but you might still be dehydrated, and your father and grandfather are nervous nellies when it comes to you.”

“Gramps ishere?”

“No, Bug. Caleb is the grandfather I was referring to.”

“Oh.”

“Wait. You said I passed out.” She nods. I gasp, cupping my hand over my mouth. I remember Jake’s voice in my ear last night whispering, “I’ve got you, Angel.” His arms were wrapped around me and he carried me into the room, laying me on the bed.

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