Page 124 of Before We're More Than Friends
Way too much for my liking.
Except the changes Mom was making and how close the three of us had become. I could’ve lived without the rest of it.
When I went downstairs to join Mom in the living room, I was surprised to see Arielle sitting beside her on the couch, all dolled up with her usual red-and-pink makeup. She was wearing what looked like a new red top, jeans, and red flats.
“Going on a date?” I asked Arielle as I joined her.
She scoffed. “I wish. I’m going with you.”
My mouth dropped. “Really?”
She nodded. “Maybe it’ll be easier for you and Mom if I came along.” She looked at Mom, who smiled at her and held her hand.
I smiled. “I’m glad you’re coming.” And I was proud of her for taking this step. I knew she was doing this for herself, not for us. We were all working our way toward forgiveness.
The drive didn’t take long, but as soon as April Springs Correctional Facility came into view, anxiety filled the pit of my stomach. I’d been telling myself all weekend that it wouldn’t be as big as I was making it out to be in my head, and I’d thought I had my nerves under control once we got in the car, but the reality of the situation washed over me again.
We were meeting our seven-figure father in federalprison.
We checked in and sat in the visitation room, where other people were meeting with prisoners. A woman and a little girl hugged a man in a khaki uniform, all three of them crying. It reminded me of the videos I’d watched of kids spending a daywith their parents in prison. My heart twisted, and I looked away, tears pricking my eyes. What was in those videos was now my reality.
The visitation officer sat us down and gave us instructions before leaving us. My leg bounced as I sat in my chair, my stomach flipping over. What would it be like to see my father wearing a khaki prison uniform? The only uniform I’d seen him wear was a suit and tie.
How did we end up here when we had everything?
“How are you feeling?” Mom grabbed my hand, her rings brushing against my skin.
“Like I’m going to throw up,” I muttered.
She gave a short laugh. “Me too.”
I glanced at Arielle, who sat on Mom’s other side. She stayed silent, her tan face as pale as a ghost. Seeing this rare occurrence when she was nervous made my insides twist. Even she couldn’t keep her usually collected façade in this situation.
Mom squeezed both of our hands. “We can do this.”
I smiled, even though I didn’t believe her.
A few minutes later, the officer brought a man out. I first didn’t recognize him with his khaki uniform and his blond head hung low, but once his blue eyes met mine, a flurry of emotions crashed over me. I nearly fell out of my chair, and Mom pulled me forward, her grip firm.
“Hello, ladies. I’ve been looking forward to this day.” Dad beamed as he sat in front of us. “I’ve missed you.”
“We’ve missed you so much,” Mom said, extending her hand.
Dad held it, and the two of them exchanged endearing smiles. The block of ice in my chest softened. They still loved each other. They always would.
Dad’s light eyes went to mine. “You look beautiful, Rain.”
My cheeks flushed. “Thank you, Dad.” I wanted to say that I missed him, but I was still too stubborn to utter the words.
Dad’s gaze bounced to Arielle, who was playing with her bracelets. “You look beautiful too, Ells.”
Arielle looked up and gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”
“Dang, I don’t know where to start.” Dad let out a soft chuckle. “I feel like I’ve missed so much.”
You have. The world didn’t stop spinning when you were locked behind bars.
“How has school and the shelter been going?” Dad asked. Of course, the typical “how is school” question every kidloved. “I hope you’re keeping the good work up.”
