Page 70 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“That’s so pretty,” Angela sighed, walking toward Jennifer and taking the dress. “I haven’t worn a dress in years.”
Jennifer’s brows shot up as she saw Angela’s demeanor change from youthful innocence to mature adult when she held the dress against herself and looked in the full-length mirror.
“Angela?” Jennifer’s voice was soft so as not to startle her.
Angela turned toward Jennifer. The pain, anguish, and torment that filled her eyes made Jennifer’s breath catch in her throat as her heart swelled for the woman before her.
“I remember!” Angela murmured, her eyes filling with tears as she turned and looked at Jennifer. “Jennifer, I remember everything!” She sucked in a few shaky breaths as her eyes filled with tears that rolled down her cheeks. “Oh no, Clair!”
The dress fell onto the floor a few seconds before Angela collapsed bedside it, holding her stomach with one hand and the other covering her mouth.
“Angela.” Jennifer scrambled onto the floor beside her, wrapping her arms around Angela as her body was wracked in sobs. “I’m sorry.”
Jennifer didn’t know how long they sat on the floor until Angela’s sobs turned into hiccups and shaky breaths.
“What have I done?” Angela’s voice was hoarse with emotion from the painful sobs that had wracked her frame. “This is all my fault.”
“No, Angela,” Jennifer shook her head, moving away so she could face her. “How could this possibly be your fault?”
“I brought them into our lives.” Angela looked at Jennifer. “I was struggling with Daniel.” She swallowed. “I didn’t know how to be a mother, and Harley was gone for long periods.” She closed her eyes and leaned her head back. “Daniel was my world, but I needed just a little space in it for me.” Her hands shook as she crumpled the tissue. “Wallis was fun, exciting, and doted on me while being so good to Daniel.”
“It’s okay, Angela.” Jennifer stood and got some tissues from the dresser, sitting next to Angela on the floor as she passed them to her. “You don’t have to talk about this if it’s too painful.”
“No. None of it’s okay.” Angela gave a self-mocking snort as she blew her nose. “I’ve been selfish. I’ve hidden in a fantasy world for the past ten years, and now my twin sister is dead.” She swiped tears fromher cheeks. “She’s dead, and Harley hasn’t been able to move on with his life because I couldn’t face reality or a life without my baby boy.”
“Angela what you went through—“ Jennifer grabbed a tissue as she felt her eyes misting over.
“Harley went through it, too.” Angela swallowed. “And while I fell to pieces, he took his pain and turned it into strength so he could be there for me. Patiently waiting for me to put myself back together.” She sniffed. “Harley never backed away when I splintered and shattered. He stood beside me, holding me together, supported me, and ensured I was safe.”
“He loves you,” Jennifer told her, and as the words left her lips, the truth of them was like a knife through her heart, and she felt it crack and start to splinter. She forced the pain from her voice. “He’d do anything for you.”
“I know.” Angela nodded. “The worst thing is I let him.” She started to cry again. “Jennifer, what have I done to all the people I love?” Her chest vibrated as she sucked in breaths.
“Angela, you lost a child and were going through a divorce,” Jennifer pointed out. “You did nothing wrong. Your mind did what it did to cope and help you heal.”
Angela threw her arms around Jennifer’s neck and hugged her. “Thank you, Jennifer. You are one of the kindest people I know.”
Angela sat back, wiping her tears away and blowing her nose. Jennifer saw her eyes fall on the dress as she pushed herself into a standing position and offered Angela her hand.
“Why don’t you jump in the shower and put on that dress,” Jennifer suggested as she pulled Angela up. “I have some brand new underwear…” She looked around the dressing room. “They must be packed in here somewhere.”
Angela helped her go through the drawers. Jennifer found the garments and gave them to Angela.
“Thank you,” Angela said. “I’ll go to my room and meet you in the dining room.”
“Are you sure?” Jennifer’s brow creased. She wasn’t sure what to expect from Angela and didn’t want to leave her alone.
“I’ll be fine,” Angela promised.
Twenty minutes later, Jennifer was ready to go for breakfast and decided to stop by and find out if Angela was ready. She knocked on Angela’s door, and when there was no reply, Jennifer opened it.
“Angela?” Jennifer called, stepping into the room.
The pajamas Angela had on were on the bed. Jennifer walked through to the bathroom. The shower had recently been used.
“She must have gone down to breakfast,” Jennifer mumbled.
She returned to the bedroom, and a folded note on the nightstand caught her eye. Jennifer walked over to it, unsure whether or not to open it until she got closer and saw it was addressed to her. Alarm bells started to ring in her head. As she opened the note, her heart dropped to her feet.
