Page 21 of Make Me Whole
Chapter Eleven
HAILEY
The sound offootsteps pulled my attention away from the TV screen in time to see Mavis enter the living room, a steaming mug in each hand. "Night cap." With a wink, she handed me one before settling on the couch next to me.
I wrapped both hands around the warm porcelain and inhaled deeply. My lips curving upward out of their own volition. "Mom always ended the day with a cup of chamomile tea."
"Where do you think I learned it?" We sipped our tea in silence, both of us probably lost in some memory of my mother. Mine was the last night I'd spent with her. Even though I'd been living on my own for a while, something had compelled me to spend the night at my parents' house.
When I'd arrived, Mom had been so happy to see me. Making idle chit chat, we'd prepared my dad's favorite meal. We'd reminisced and laughed, finally ending the night with a cup of tea. I'd had a feeling something was off; I'd seen it in her eyes.
But I didn't ask about it.
And I never got the chance to; they died the following day.
With a jolt, I was pulled from the memory when Mavis' soft touch registered on my skin. My gaze flicked to her, and I immediately saw understanding. "Why didn't she tell me the truth, Mavis?" The question was out before I had time to stop it, hot tears burning my eyes shortly after.
She took the mug from my hands and after setting it along with hers on the coffee table, she curled her fingers around my wrists. "I can't speak for Adelaide, and I don't have any children of my own. But I can tell you this: No parent ever wants to admit to their children that they've failed them."
It was difficult to speak around the swell of emotion lodged in my throat. "I wouldn't have seen it as failure. Asking for help when you have a problem isn't failing."
"Oh, child." In an instant, Mavis wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace. No words were spoken; she simply rubbed my back while I finally let go. My tears came hot and fast. Pretty sure my snot did too. But I couldn't bring myself to stop.
It almost felt as if my body needed this purge. Needed this to let go of the hurt that'd been anchored to my heart for so long. "I miss them, Mavis. So much," my muffled words were delivered into her tear-stained shoulder.
"I know you do." Her hand continued to soothe up and down my back. "Just remember they loved you." She moved to cup my shoulders. Gently, she pushed me away until she was able to look into my eyes. "If they could see you now." A smile lifted her lips. "They'd be so proud."
With everything I'd done after their death, I didn't think they'd have felt pride. The weight of mom's locket—the one thing I always carried with me—felt heavy against my leg. Not only a reminder of my mistakes but my promise to them—and myself—to do better. Tobebetter.
Breathing in deeply, I filled my lungs with some much-needed air. The pain in my chest lessened to a dull ache as my tears finally made way for a small smile to break free.
Mavis brushed a few strands of hair away from my face. "You all right?"
I sniffled and wiped my nose with the back of my hand. "I will be." I was starting to believe that more and more with each passing day.
"Yes. Yes, you will." Her eyes flicked to the wall-mounted clock. "Goodness, it's way past this old lady's bedtime."
To her questioning glance, I responded, "I think I'm going to finish this." I motioned toward the TV.
Her smile had warmth spreading through my veins. She stood, but not before patting my leg a few times. We said our goodnights, and I was about to give the screen my full attention again when something caught my eye.
"Wanna watch a movie?" I dryly asked the hyperventilating dog in front of me. In answer, his tail got a life of its own.Thu-thumpingagainst the floor. Patting the empty spot next to me, I stated with mock exasperation, "Well come on then."
He didn't have to be invited twice. With surprising grace, he leapt onto the couch before nestling his head in my lap. My hand moved to scratch behind his ear. Leaning forward slightly, I whispered, "I will deny saying this, but I kinda like you."
As if he'd understood what I'd said, a low humming sound filled the air. I laughed as I fell back against the soft cushioning. More than happy with my new movie partner.
With my fingers mindlessly raking through Bandit's fur, I narrowed my eyes at the TV. "There's more than enough space on that thing for two people." Unfazed by whatever I was watching, Bandit made a sound that was somewhere between a groan and a moan. Smiling, I looked down. "Yeah, you don't care, do you? You just want me to keep scratching."
I was in the middle of listening toRosehoarsely begJackto come back when Bandit suddenly jerked upright and bolted for the door. Twisting, I tried to see what he was on about. The sound of a key being slipped into the lock came first before the door swung open to reveal Bradley.
And he wasn't alone.
A tall, blonde clung to him like the cheap perfume permeating the air. Her mouth latched on to his neck like a starved vampire.
They took two steps into the house before he spotted me and stopped. The instant our gazes collided; his arm dropped from her waist. The woman, however, was undeterred by this and simply kept sucking or licking or whatever the hell she was doing. Her red-tipped fingers slipping into the hair brushing his collar. A perfectly sculpted leg dragged along his thick thighs.
And yet, he stood stock still. Eyes trained on me.
