Page 175 of Before We're More Than Friends
Arielle dropped her pizza like it had burned her hand. “What?”
I wanted to say the same thing, but the words were stuck in my throat. I knew it would come to this point again—Dad had tried to send Mom to a rehab facility before, but she only went there for therapy instead, which she soon dropped. Would she try to follow through this time? Or would this turn into the thing at the day group?
Would I be able to trust her again?
“I know we didn’t want it to come to this point,” Mom said, the heaviness growing in her eyes. “And I hope I don’t sound like your dad, but I think it’s the step we need to take. I’ll stay for two weeks to see if I like it, and we’ll go from there.”
“Mom,” Arielle said, her voice wobbling.
“I know.” Mom reached across the table for her hand. “I don’t want to leave you guys. And I know money is important right now because your dad has lost a lot. But I talked about it with my bosses, and I can work on my devices at the center. The details aren’t all final, but we’re trying to figure them out. I’m going to start attending April fifth, right after Easter.”
“But who’s taking care of us?” I asked, though I already had a feeling what the answer would be.
“I’ll be moving in to take care of you guys,” Nonno said. “I know you could hire a nanny, but let’s be honest—no almost seventeen-year-old wants a nanny. That would be embarrassing if word got out at school.”
Arielle and I laughed.
“On the other hand, it’s not embarrassing to live with your grandpa. And I know I make better meals than Francesca ever could.” Nonno winked at us. “I’ll stay as long as I need to.”
“I’m happy you’re taking extra steps to get help,” Arielle said to Mom, looking her in the eye. “But I’m going to miss you. It’s not . . .” She sniffled. “It won’t be the same.”
“Aw, sweetie, I’m going to miss you, too,” Mom said. “I hope you’ll be able to visit me.” She swallowed. “That reminds me, we’re going to visit your dad the Saturday before Easter. I’m scared I might fall apart like last time.”
“You can do this,” I said, tears burning in my eyes. I took a bite of my pizza since it was getting cold.
Arielle nodded, hope shining in her gaze. “I believe in you.”
“Thank you, girls.” Mom smiled. “I’m so blessed to have two loving daughters who constantly fight for me when I’m weak.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been the nicest to you about it,” Arielle said. “I shouldn’t have acted the way I did in some situations.”
“No, sweetie, I understand.” Mom sighed. “You’re supposed to have a mom, not be my mom. It’s already bad enough that you lost your dad.” She sniffled, looking away from us. “I’m sorry for the hell I’ve put this family through.”
“I get it, Mom.” Arielle got up to hug Mom. “I really do.”
I stood up to join the hug, fighting the tears that threatened to surface. I didn’t want to keep crying. I didn’t want to fight the brain fog that came from every crying session. I just wanted to be with my family. And as Nonno joined our hug, I knew that whatever happened, we’d make it to the other side of the rainbow.
Not too long after dinner, I heard the front door open. I looked out my window to see two cars in the driveway, Sienna’s red Toyota and a black Mercedes that looked similar to the one in Gracelynn’s driveway. Had she driven one of her parents’ cars here?
I went downstairs to greet the girls, only to see Jennifer Naysmith sitting on the couch with Mom and Nonno. And they werelaughing.
Was my mind playing tricks on me?
“What’s going on?” Arielle asked as she followed me down the stairs. “Are we having a little party?”
“It would be the lamest party ever,” Sienna said from the foyer, putting her keys in her purse. “Caleb would be offended at the lack of chips.”
“And I’d be out the door at the sight of Caleb,” Gracelynn said with a small smile.
Arielle rolled her eyes. “He’s not that bad now.”
“I bet every penny in my bank account he is.” Gracelynn followed Sienna to where we were standing near the couch.
“Hey, girls,” Mom said. “Jennifer decided to come over to catch up with me.”
“Hey, Jen—er, Mrs. Naysmith,” I said. “It’s nice to see you again.” I swallowed. “I’m sorry about what I said when you last came over. It was very bit—I mean, rude of me.” Had I forgotten how to speak to this woman?
Mrs. Naysmith smiled at me. “Thank you, Raina. I hope this visit goes better.” She looked at Mom. “It’s good to hang out with your mom again. It’s been so long.” She faced her daughter. “Thank you, Gracelynn,” she said softly. It was rare when she showed emotion other than pride or anger, but right now, she looked endearingly toward Gracelynn.
